cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-related differences in factors associated with smoking initiation

We sought to determine whether the influence of two factors known to influence smoking initiation (parental smoking and lower academic attainment) vary by age of smoking initiation and to develop profiles of smokers based on their age of smoking initiation. We analyzed data on demographic and smoking characteristics from 1,447 former and current cancer-free smokers, born between 1912 and 1975, who served as controls in an ongoing lung cancer case–control study, and who reported initiating smoking before their 31st birthday. Parental smoking exerted a significant influence among the youngest initiators (<15 years) only, and the magnitude of the influence from academic attainment decreased with increasing age of initiation. The youngest initiators were less likely to have quit, had smoked for more years, and reported higher levels of nicotine dependence than the oldest initiators. Our results underscore the continued need to target smoking prevention messages toward individuals younger than 15 years. Because the influence of parental smoking was pronounced among the youngest initiators, family smoking dynamics must be addressed to develop effective prevention programs tailored to this at-risk age group.
Effects of 2.45 GHz CW microwave radiation on embryofetal development in mice.

The embryofetal toxicity and teratogenicity of plane-wave 2.45 GHz continuous wave (CW) microwave radiation at different intensities were investigated in the CD-1 mouse. Mice were exposed on days 1-15 of gestation to an incident power density of 5 mW/cm2 (specific absorption rate of 6.7 mW/gm) and either on days 1-6 or 6-15 of gestation to 21 mW/cm2 (specific absorption rate of 28.14 mW/gm) or to 30 mW/cm2 (specific absorption rate of 40.2 mW/gm) for 8 hours daily. Exposure either on days 1-6 or 6-15 of gestation to a power density of 21 or 30 mW/cm2 caused an increase in colonic temperature of exposed dams of 1 degree C and 2.3 degrees C, respectively. To distinguish between ''thermal'' and ''nonthermal'' effects of 21 or 30 mW/cm2, groups of mice were also exposed to elevated ambient temperature to raise their body temperature to the level of those animals exposed to microwave. Ambient temperatures of 30 degrees C and 31 degrees C increased the deep colonic temperature to that obtained with the 21 and 30 mW/cm2 microwave exposure, respectively. The temperature-exposed mice were handled in exactly the same manner as the microwave-exposed mice. A significant reduction in maternal weight gain, either during treatmentmore » on days 1-6 or 6-15 of gestation was observed in females of all handled groups. Handling plus exposure to elevated ambient temperature (30 degrees C or 31 degrees C) during days 6-15 of gestation increased this reduction in maternal weight gain. A significant decrease in implantation sites per litter and reduction in fetal weight was noted in the group exposed to 30 mW/cm2 during days 1-6 of gestation. Exposure of mice to a power density of 30 mW/cm2 (days 6-15 of gestation) resulted in a slight, but significant increase in the percentage of malformed fetuses, predominantly with cleft palate, when compared to all other groups.« less
On the construction of stable curvilinear $p$ version elements for mixed formulations of elasticity and Stokes flow

Summary. The use of mixed finite element methods is well-established in the numerical approximation of the problem of nearly incompressible elasticity, and its limit, Stokes flow. The question of stability over curved elements for such methods is of particular significance in the p version, where, since the element size remains fixed, exact representation of the curved boundary by (large) elements is often used. We identify a mixed element which we show to be optimally stable in both p and h refinement over curvilinear meshes. We prove optimal p version (up to $O(p^{\epsilon})$ ) and h version (p = 2, 3) convergence for our element, and illustrate its optimality through numerical experiments.
Uniaxial 3D shape measurement with projector defocusing

Our recent study showed that the phase error caused by improperly defocused binary structured patterns has a unique relationship with the depth z. Based on this finding, the depth information can be extracted without the need of triangulation. Because the measurement can be performed from the same viewing angle, this uniaxial measurement technique can overcome some limitations of a triangulation-based technique, such as measuring a deep hole. This paper will present the principle of the proposed technique and show some simulation and preliminary experimental results to verify its viability.
Optimal foraging predicts the ecology but not the evolution of host specialization in bacteriophages.

We explore the ability of optimal foraging theory to explain the observation among marine bacteriophages that host range appears to be negatively correlated with host abundance in the local marine environment. We modified Charnov's classic diet composition model to describe the ecological dynamics of the related generalist and specialist bacteriophages φX174 and G4, and confirmed that specialist phages are ecologically favored only at high host densities. Our modified model accurately predicted the ecological dynamics of phage populations in laboratory microcosms, but had only limited success predicting evolutionary dynamics. We monitored evolution of attachment rate, the phenotype that governs diet breadth, in phage populations adapting to both low and high host density microcosms. Although generalist φX174 populations evolved even broader diets at low host density, they did not show a tendency to evolve the predicted specialist foraging strategy at high host density. Similarly, specialist G4 populations were unable to evolve the predicted generalist foraging strategy at low host density. These results demonstrate that optimal foraging models developed to explain the behaviorally determined diets of predators may have only limited success predicting the genetically determined diets of bacteriophage, and that optimal foraging probably plays a smaller role than genetic constraints in the evolution of host specialization in bacteriophages.
Evaluating Manufacturing Extension: A Multidimensional approach

This article provides a multidimensional approach to evaluating the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program as administered in the Chicago metropolitan area. The MEP concept is based on the provision of technology-related services to address many of the manufacturing productivity-improvement barriers. Using a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques, this research demonstrates that delivery of these services has been somewhat limited in practice. After demonstrating that the Chicago Manufacturing Center and MEP are not delivering primarily technologyrelated services to small and midsized manufacturing firms, the author raises the question of legitimacy. This finding suggests that the program needs to be redesigned to more adequately account for current economic and market conditions, taking into account the way small and midsized manufacturers process information and make decisions.
The analysis of recurrence risk as an epidemiological tool

Summary Recurrence risk provides information on the heterogeneity of risk in the population, and thus is useful for aetiological studies. While recurrence risk is observable in many areas of epidemiology, it is particularly accessible in the study of perinatal events. High recurrence rates of pregnancy problems suggest genetic causes, but can also reflect the presence of persistent environmental causes. Specific patterns of recurrence risk can provide further clues about the relative importance of genetic vs. environmental factors, for example through comparisons of recurring pregnancy problems in women who change their male partner and women who keep the same partner. Interpretation of recurrence risk is subject to confusion from bias and confounding, and some examples are discussed. In addition to providing information on causality, recurrence risk offers a means for more efficient design of aetiological studies.
Histopathology of Naturally Occurring and Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis in Mice

Summary Objective The morphology of lesions in mouse models of osteoarthritis (OA) has not been comprehensively characterized, in part because current histological assessments of OA focus primarily on articular cartilage (AC). In the present study, sections of murine stifle joints with naturally occurring (aged animals) and surgically induced (destabilized medial meniscus, DMM) OA were examined using a newly developed histological grading scheme that includes quantitative measurements and semiquantitative grades to evaluate multiple joint tissues. Design The data collected was analyzed using Principal Components Analysis (PCA); factor scores for each joint were generated. Individual parameters and factor scores were compared between surgical groups and among age groups. For comparison, the original Mankin Histological-Histochemical Grading System (HHGS) also was applied. Results Overall, lesions were most severe in the medial tibial plateaus. Significant changes in AC and neighboring bone were identified in surgically induced models and in naturally occurring disease. Mean factor scores provided a comprehensive evaluation of joint changes. An important new finding was that chondrocyte cell death within the AC was a commonly identified lesion and its extent significantly increased with age. While the Mankin HHGS detected significant overall differences in OA severity between surgical groups, it was not sensitive in detecting age-related differences, nor did it provide information regarding changes in individual tissues. Conclusion These results demonstrate the utility of this newly developed murine OA grading scheme in identifying lesions in AC and in other joint tissues. Surgically induced changes were similar to those occurring naturally with aging.
Hadamard transform spectroscopy for the 1990s

Two Hadamard transform instruments designed for the 1990's using a fixed Hadamard encodement mask are presented. One is a dispersive spectrometer for doing near-infrared (NIR) Hadamard transform Raman spectrometry. The other is a stationary interferometer for doing visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) emission and absorption spectrometry. The encodement mask displays the Hadamard encodement generated by external command - in this case, a computer. In the dispersive spectrometer the encodement determines specific spectral resolution element combinations that are allowed to impinge upon the single detector. The irradiance for each such combination is measured at the single detector and the Hadamard transform of this data set represents the irradiance (i.e. intensity) of each spectral resolution element. The complete collection of these intensities compares favorably to the spectrum collected on a conventional dispersive spectrometer. The stationary interferometer uses a fixed encodement mask and appropriate optics to allow specific combinations of sections (i.e. spatial resolution elements) of the spatial interferogram to impinge on a single detector. The irradiance for each such combination is measured at the single detector and the Hadamard transform of this data set represents the irradiance (i.e. intensity) of each section (i.e. spatial resolution element) of the spatial interferogram. The advantage of encoding the spatial interferogram from the stationary interferometer is the ability to use the single fixed detector rather than an array of many fixed detectors or a single moving detector. Some general advantages of Hadamard transform instruments are: (1) multiplexing the signal to one detector (2) no continuously moving parts allow frequency precision and good spectral subtraction (3) reasonably high optical etendue' or throughput (4) selective elimination of certain areas of the spectra and the rejection of Rayleighline in Raman experiments
Loop Shaping Design for Missile Autopilots: Controller Configurations and Weighting Filter Selection

The design of a homing, tail-controlled missile autopilot using a loop shaping approach is considered. The designer input in this control methodology consists of a set of shaping  lters that in turn lead to anH1 optimal controller that guarantees stability. Several con gurations are contrasted. These differ as to the location in the loop of the shaping  lters and optimal controller. It is shown that the choice of con guration has implications as to the form of the shaping  lters. It is also demonstrated how intuition from classical three-loop controllers can be used to select these  lters. Finally, for one con guration, analytic formulas for a set of generic shaping  lters are derived that lead to good tracking performance and robustness margins.
The electron microscopy of vaccinia-diseased tissues.

Many hundreds of electron micrographs have been made on a corresponding number of sections through chicken embryo tissues diseased with vaccine virus. The fully developed elementary bodies of this virus are easily recognized in such sections. Search has been made for evidence of proliferation in chorioallantoic membranes infected for various lengths of time. This has given evidence bearing on several hypotheses that can be offered concerning the growth of the virus particles; but it does not select in satisfactory fashion between them.
A Case of Murderous Sensibility: James Hackman, Interiority and Masculine Agency in Late Eighteenth-Century England

After murdering Martha Ray in April 1779, James Hackman enjoyed an improbable media celebrity that rested largely on his ability both to embody and complicate the performative conventions of the late eighteenth-century discourse of sensibility, which tied virtue to its embodied visibility. Supporters who lauded Hackman, but wanted to conserve his and their own moral agency, disentangled his character from his crime by attributing to him an interior space in which that character resided. Thus, while spectators delighted in the way that Hackman's sensible body registered his anguish at Ray's death, they could also paradoxically insist that his true intentions were hidden inside that suffering body, uncoupled from his violent deed. Such attributions of interiority helped to conserve both Hackman's masculinity and his agency by distinguishing his body from feminine bodies whose lack of such interior space rendered them vulnerable to a disordered and hysterical sensibility. The rhetorical energy devoted to defending Hackman provides a valuable case study of the ways that reconciliation was sought in the late eighteenth century between masculinity and agency within the discourse of sensibility and suggests that the differential, gendered distribution of interiority helped assuage fears about feeling's feminising potential.
Clockwise hysteresis loops in the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram: An effect of network instability

A recent study reported that the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram of a medium size city exhibited a clockwise hysteresis loop on a day in which a major disturbance caused many drivers to use unfamiliar routes. It is shown below that, even in a perfectly symmetric network with uniform demand, clockwise loops are to be expected when there are disturbances, especially if the disturbances cause a significant fraction of the drivers to not change routes adaptively. It is also shown that when drivers are not adaptive networks are inherently more unstable as they recover from congestion than as they are loaded. In other words, during recovery congestion tends more strongly toward unevenness because very congested areas clear more slowly than less congested areas. Since it is known that uneven congestion distributions reduce network flows, it follows that lower network flows should arise during recovery, resulting in clockwise loops. Fortunately, the presence of a sufficient number of drivers that choose routes adaptively to avoid congested areas helps to even out congestion during recovery, increasing flow. Thus, clockwise loops are less likely to occur when driver adaptivity is high.
Differential Incision of Bulky Carcinogen-DNA Adducts by the UvrABC Nuclease: Comparison of Incision Rates and the Interactions of Uvr Subunits with Lesions of Different Structures †

The UvrABC nuclease system from Escherichia coli removes DNA damages induced by a wide range of chemical carcinogens with variable efficiencies. The interactions with UvrABC proteins of the following three lesions site-specifically positioned in DNA, and of known conformations, were investigated: (i) adducts derived from the binding of the (-)-(7S,8R,9R,10S) enantiomer of 7,8-dihydroxy-9, 10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene [(-)-anti-BPDE] by cis-covalent addition to N(2)-2'-deoxyguanosine [(-)-cis-anti-BP-N(2)-dG], (ii) an adduct derived from the binding of the (+)-(1R,2S,3S,4R) enantiomer of 1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-5-methylchrysene [(+)-anti-5-MeCDE] by trans addition to N(2)-2'-deoxyguanosine [(+)-trans-anti-MC-N(2)-dG], and (iii) a C8-2'-deoxyguanosine adduct (C8-AP-dG) formed by reductively activated 1-nitropyrene (1-NP). The influence of these three different adducts on UvrA binding affinities, formation of UvrB-DNA complexes by quantitative gel mobility shift analyses, and the rates of UvrABC incision were investigated. The binding affinities of UvrA varied among the three adducts. UvrA bound to the DNA adduct (+)-trans-anti-MC-N(2)-dG with the highest affinity (K(d) = 17 +/- 2 nM) and to the DNA containing C8-AP-dG with the least affinity (K(d) = 28 +/- 1 nM). The extent of complex formation with UvrB was also the lowest with the C8-AP-dG adduct. 5' Incisions occurred at the eighth phosphate from the modified guanine. The major 3' incision site corresponded to the fifth phosphodiester bond for all three adducts. However, additional 3' incisions were observed at the fourth and sixth phosphates in the case of the C8-AP-dG adduct, whereas in the case of the (-)-cis-anti-BP-N(2)-dG and (+)-trans-anti-MC-N(2)-dG lesions additional 3' cleavage occurred at the sixth and seventh phosphodiester bonds. Both the initial rate and the extent of 5' and 3' incisions revealed that C8-AP-dG was repaired less efficiently in comparison to the (-)-cis-anti-BP-N(2)-dG and (+)-trans-anti-MC-N(2)-dG containing DNA adducts. Our study showed that UvrA recognizes conformational changes induced by structurally different lesions and that in certain cases the binding affinities of UvrA and UvrB can be correlated with the incision rates. The size of the bubble formed around the damaged site with mismatched bases also appears to influence the incision rates. A particularly noteworthy finding in this study is that UvrABC repair of a substrate with no base opposite C8-AP-dG was quite inefficient as compared to the same adduct with a C opposite it. These findings are discussed in terms of the available NMR solution structures.
Lignoceroyl-coenzyme A synthetase from developing rat brain: partial purification, characterization and comparison with palmitoyl-coenzyme A synthetase activity and liver enzyme.

Abstract As part of a long-term study of Sphingolipid metabolism in brain, we have purified and partially characterized a long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase from microsomes of developing rat brain and compared it with the hepatic microsomal enzyme from the same animals. Both enzymes were solubilized from microsomes by treatment with Triton X-100 and then chromatographed successively on Blue-Sepharose and DEAE-Sepharose. Blue-Sepharose chromatography yielded a single peak with acyl-CoA synthetase activity, whereas DEAE-Sepharose chromatography of both brain and liver preparations yielded two peaks. Elution patterns of lignoceroyl-CoA synthetase and palmitoyl-CoA synthetase activities were identical throughout these steps and were similar in brain and liver. Gel filtration of each DEAE-Sepharose fraction on Sephadex G-200 also yielded two peaks of activity. The more rapidly eluted material contained much more lignoceroyl-CoA synthetase activity, while the activity for palmitoyl-CoA synthetase was higher in slower eluting peaks. In all preparations the ratio of lignoceroyl-CoA synthetase activity to palmitoyl-CoA synthetase activity was much higher in brain than in liver. These results suggest that although the brain acyl-CoA synthetase is chromatographically similar to the liver enzyme, there are differences in substrate specificity.
Adam and Eve in Romans 1.18-25 and the Greek "Life of Adam and Eve"

This study identifies several dimensions of the Greek Life of Adam and Eve that provide fresh points of entry to Paul's thought in Rom 1.18–25. Principal among these are the suppression of truth, the advent of divine anger, the onset of death, and, most notably, two related exchanges – God's glory for mortality and natural dominion for unnatural subservience to animals. While such features do not specifically characterize Gen 1–3, they belong to a shared conception of the drama of human sin that characterizes and unites both Rom 1 and the Greek Life of Adam and Eve .
PW03-017 – Combination TNF and IL-1 blockade in PAPA syndrome

The dominantly inherited PAPA syndrome is caused by mutations in PSTPIP1. It is one of the least understood monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, both from a pathogenic and treatment perspective. Patients often have persistent symptoms refractory to biologic therapies that necessitate prolonged exposure to high dose corticosteroids. Prior studies have reported increased production of IL-1b and TNF-α by peripheral blood leukocytes. There are Case reports documenting the efficacy of both IL-1 and TNF-α antagonists in treating PAPA but, to date, there are no reports of combination anti-TNF and anti-IL-1 use.
Insulin receptors in the peripheral nervous system: a structural and functional analysis.

Abstract Althoigh the brain is known to contain specific receptors, there is no information on whether these receptors are also present in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The present studies sought to provide this information by characterizing insulin binding in bovine autonomic (superior cervical) and sensory (trigeminal) ganglia. It was found that both ganglia contain specific, high-affinity receptors for insulin. Like insulin receptors in other tissue, these receptors could be solubilized and purified on wheat germ agarose columns and were found to have tyrosine-specific kinase activity. SDS-PAGE and autoradiography revealed that the apparent molecular weight (Mr) of the PNS insulin receptor was approximately 133 kDa which is similar to the Mr of hepatic receptors, but is approximately 10 kDa larger than the insulin receptor found in the brain. Because the vasculature of autonomic and sensory ganglia is fenestrated, it is possible that PNS insulin receptors are exposed to blood-borne insulin.
Laser background characterization in a monolithically integrated bio-fluorescence sensor

Miniaturized and robust sensing modules are required for the development of portable integrated biological analysis systems or micro total analysis systems (μ-TAS). This work uses vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), optical emission filters and PIN photodetectors to realize a monolithically integrated, near-infrared, fluorescence detection system. The integration of these optoelectronic devices with biochips will drastically reduce cost of current systems and increase parallelism and portability. The sensor has been implemented on a micro-fluidic format, and sensitivity was evaluated. A theoretical limit of detection of IR-800 dye in methanol is reported to be 40 nM. The sensor sensitivity is limited by laser background as a result of integrating the optoelectronic elements in such close proximity. Significant reduction in laser background from reflections above the sensor is possible by increasing the distance between the sensor and optical interfaces to greater than 3 mm. Also, for distances greater than 500 microns between the sensor and optical interfaces above the sensor, it is found that background from indirect spontaneous emission is much smaller than the background caused by specular reflections of the laser.
Novel Surgeon-Modified Hypogastric Branch Stent Graft to Preserve Pelvic Perfusion

Background We describe the feasibility and early results of a novel approach to preserve pelvic perfusion during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with aortoiliac aneurysms extending to the iliac bifurcation. Methods Three high-risk patients, aged 70 ± 7 years, with large aortoiliac aneurysms (mean 6.7 ± 0.5 cm) and inadequate distal common iliac artery landing zones were treated with a surgeon-modified hypogastric branch stent graft between June 2007 and July 2008. The modified device was created using a 73 mm iliac stent graft limb with a presewn 6-8 mm polyester side graft. The modified device was resheathed into a 20F sheath, and the side graft was preloaded with a wire and catheter. The resheathed device was introduced to the level of the aortic bifurcation via a 24F peel-away sheath, and using the preloaded catheter, a long wire was snared, establishing through-and-through femoral access. A 12F contralateral femoral sheath was advanced up and over the aortic bifurcation into the presewn side graft. The repair was bridged to the ipsilateral hypogastric artery using a matting self-expandable stent graft and extended distally to the external iliac artery, followed by standard EVAR. All patients were followed clinically and with computed tomography angiography prior to hospital discharge and every 3 months thereafter. Results Mean procedural time was 172 ± 23 min, including 45 ± 22 min for device modification. Total fluoroscopy time, contrast load, and radiation dose were 78 ± 17 min, 180 ± 23 mL, and 3,890 ± 1,034 mGy, respectively. The procedure was technically successful in all cases. There were no aneurysm ruptures, deaths, conversions, or complications; and the mean length of hospitalization was 3.5 ± 1 days. At a mean follow-up of 9 ± 3 months, all branched hypogastric arteries remained patent without endoleak, migration, or loss of device integrity. Conclusion Surgeon-modified hypogastric branch stent grafts to maintain perfusion to one or both hypogastric arteries is feasible and provides an alternative to hypogastric artery exclusion. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate stent-graft patency and failure rates.
Atypical category processing and hemispheric asymmetries in high-functioning children with autism: Revealed through high-density EEG mapping

Behavioral evidence for an impaired ability to group objects based on similar physical or semantic properties in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been mixed. Here, we recorded brain activity from high-functioning children with ASD as they completed a visual-target detection task. We then assessed the extent to which object-based selective attention automatically generalized from targets to non-target exemplars from the same well-known object class (e.g., dogs). Our results provide clear electrophysiological evidence that children with ASD (N=17, aged 8-13 years) process the similarity between targets (e.g., a specific dog) and same-category non-targets (SCNT) (e.g., another dog) to a lesser extent than do their typically developing (TD) peers (N=21). A closer examination of the data revealed striking hemispheric asymmetries that were specific to the ASD group. These findings align with mounting evidence in the autism literature of anatomic underconnectivity between the cerebral hemispheres. Years of research in individuals with TD have demonstrated that the left hemisphere (LH) is specialized toward processing local (or featural) stimulus properties and the right hemisphere (RH) toward processing global (or configural) stimulus properties. We therefore propose a model where a lack of communication between the hemispheres in ASD, combined with typical hemispheric specialization, is a root cause for impaired categorization and the oft-observed bias to process local over global stimulus properties.
Cloning and expression of a cocaine-sensitive rat dopamine transporter

The action of dopamine and other monoamine neurotransmitters at synapses is terminated predominantly by high-affinity reuptake into presynaptic terminals by specific sodium-dependent neurotransmitter transport proteins. A complementary DNA encoding a rat dopamine transporter has been isolated that exhibits high sequence similarity with the previously cloned norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid transporters. Transient expression of the complementary DNA in HeLa cells confirms the cocaine sensitivity of this transporter.
Laser cladding of ti-6al-4v with bn for improved wear performance

Abstract Titanium and its alloys suffer from galling, seizing, ploughing and adhesion during sliding contacts. A laser-cladding method, to enhance the wear performance of titanium, was investigated. A 1.5 kW continuous-wave CO 2 gas laser was used to clad hexagonal BN powder with and without the addition of NiCrCoAlY on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrate. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, optical metallography, and Vickers' micro-hardness tests were employed to characterize the clad layers. A pin-on-block reciprocating wear machine was used to evaluate the sliding wear characteristics of age-hardened, laser surface-melted and laser-clad Ti-6Al-4V alloys. Results indicated that the clad layers consisted of TiN, TiB 2 , and various alloy phases. Claddings with excellent adhesion and thicknesses up to 600 μm, with a maximum hardness of 1600 HV, were obtained. Wear tests showed a substantial improvement (10–200 times) in wear resistance of claddings over age-hardened and surface-melted layers. The improved wear performance is attributed to the high hardness and low friction properties of clad layers.
The Making of an American House of Lords: The U.S. Senate in the Constitutional Convention of 1787*

The Framers of the U.S. Constitution saw the Senate as their paramount creation. To James Madison, it was “the great anchor of the government,” and in his seminal plans for a new national government, the Senate figured as the most prominent and powerful institution, to be endowed with a potent combination of legislative, executive, and judicial prerogatives that were greater and more wide-ranging than those of either the House or the president. In the four months that the Framers met in Philadelphia, they spent more time and energy deliberating on the Senate than on any other single institution or issue, devoting most of the first seven critical weeks to the upper house, and thereafter, though more scattered, the equivalent of another week or two of consideration. In contrast, they focused on the House, executive, and federal judiciary for a few weeks each at most, and spent even less time on such vital issues as sectionalism and slavery. By the end of the Convention, the Framers had created an imposing chamber, possessing far more power and autonomy than any other upper house heretofore created in independent America. Small wonder, then, that in assessing the work of the Convention, the influential delegate from Connecticut, Roger Sherman, pronounced it “the most important branch in the government.” Smaller wonder still that the Framers would comprise over half the membership of the first Senate.
Coronary Revascularization and Cardiac Catheterization in the United States: Trends in Racial Differences

Abstract Objectives. We sought to determine whether racial differences in rates of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and cardiac catheterization decreased after 1980. Background. Many reports of racial differences in utilization of CABG have been published since 1982. However, changes in the relative utilization of revascularization over time have received little attention. Methods. Data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey were examined for the years 1980 through 1993. Estimated numbers of procedures performed in nonfederal U.S. hospitals were used to compute age-adjusted rates per 100,000 population by year and race for patients 35 to 84 years old. Results. In patients 35 to 84 years old, the rate of CABG increased in blacks and whites between 1980 and 1993. Between 1986 and 1993, there was little change in the black/white ratio of age-adjusted rates (0.23 in 1980 through 1985 combined, 0.38 in 1986 and 0.43 in 1993). An apparent increase from 0.23 in 1980 through 1985 combined may have been due to sampling variation. Despite rapid increases in rates of PTCA in both races, no increase in the black/white ratio was noted (0.57 in 1993). However, the rate of inpatient cardiac catheterization increased more rapidly in blacks than in whites. This resulted in an increase in the black/white ratio of age-adjusted rates from 0.42 in 1980 to 0.91 in 1993. Conclusions. Rates of CABG, cardiac catheterization and especially PTCA increased between 1980 and 1993, a period during which racial disparities in the procedures became widely known. Despite apparent increases in the black/white ratio for inpatient cardiac catheterization, large racial disparities in the utilization of CABG and PTCA persist and require further evaluation and possible intervention. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:1557–62)
Probing conformational changes in the estrogen receptor: Evidence for a partially unfolded intermediate facilitating ligand binding and release

Because the ligand bound to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of nuclear hormone receptors is completely enveloped by protein, it is thought that the process of ligand binding or unbinding must involve a significant conformational change of this domain. We have used the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of the estrogen receptor-a (ERa )o r estrogen receptor-b (ERb) LBD, as well as bis-anilinonaphthalenesulfonate (bis-ANS), a probe for accessible interior regions of protein, to follow the guanidine-hydrochloride (Gua-HCl)-induced unfolding of this domain. In both cases, we find that the ER-LBD unfolding follows a two-phase process. At low Gua-HCl, the ER-LBD undergoes partial unfolding, whereas at high Gua-HCl, this domain undergoes a global unfolding, with bis-ANS binding preferentially to the partially unfolded state. The partially unfolded state of the ERa-LBD induced by denaturant does not bind ligand stably, but it may resemble an intermediate that this domain accesses transiently under native conditions that allow ligands to enter or exit the ligand-binding pocket. (Molecular Endocrinology 15: 421‐428, 2001)
Comparative analysis of macromolecules in mollusc shells

1. Proteins and polysaccharides were isolated from the shells of molluscs; blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, chambered nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, and red abalone, Haliotus rufescens. 2. N-acetyl glucosamine was detected in nautilus but not mussel or abalone. 3. Amino acid analysis of protein fractions was completed for the three molluscs and purified proteins from the mussel were partially sequenced. 4. Calcium binding studies were carried out with some of the protein fractions.
Comparative Activities of Lipid Esters of Cidofovir and Cyclic Cidofovir against Replication of Herpesviruses In Vitro

Cidofovir (CDV) is an effective therapy for certain human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections in immunocompromised patients that are resistant to other antiviral drugs, but the compound is not active orally. To improve oral bioavailability, a series of lipid analogs of CDV and cyclic CDV (cCDV), including hexadecyloxypropyl-CDV and -cCDV and octadecyloxyethyl-CDV and -cCDV, were synthesized and found to have multiple-log-unit enhanced activity against HCMV in vitro. On the basis of the activity observed with these analogs, additional lipid esters were synthesized and evaluated for their activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, human cytomegalovirus, murine cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and HHV-8. Using several different in vitro assays, concentrations of drug as low as 0.001 microM reduced herpesvirus replication by 50% (EC50) with the CDV analogs, whereas the cCDV compounds were generally less active. In most of the assays performed, the EC50 values of the lipid esters were at least 100-fold lower than the EC50 values for unmodified CDV or cCDV. The lipid analogs were also active against isolates that were resistant to CDV, ganciclovir, or foscarnet. These results indicate that the lipid ester analogs are considerably more active than CDV itself against HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6, and HHV-8 in vitro, suggesting that they may have potential for the treatment of infections caused by a variety of herpesviruses.
Androgen therapy improves muscle mass and strength but not muscle quality: results from two studies

The relationship of strength to muscle area was used to assess change in muscle quality after anabolic interventions. Study 1: asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-positive men (39 ± 9 yr) wer...
The Kidney Research Predicament

Research funding from public and private sources has reached an all-time low. Economic conditions, sequestration, and a trend of low award success rates have created an imbalance between the supply of highly qualified research investigators and the availability of critically necessary research dollars. This grim environment continues to hinder the success of established investigators and deter potential investigators from joining the research workforce. Without action and support of innovative science, the future of the US health care system is in jeopardy, and its leadership role in medical research will decrease. This work discusses the effects of the decline in research funding, the plight of kidney research, and the impact of the American Society of Nephrology Grants Program on scientists. The ASN also calls on the entire nephrology community to rejuvenate the research environment, improve the lives of millions of people with kidney disease, and ultimately, find a cure.
Carbon nanotube coatings for thermal control

Materials based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) with their high thermal conductivity, the high aspect ratios as well as their mechanical strength, provide innovative materials for thermal control applications such as improved thermal interfaces. We demonstrate the feasibility of carbon nanotube based systems for use in thermal control applications, e.g. as a contact layer between two thermally connected materials. Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) arrays of different density and length have been grown on silicon and copper surfaces using chemical vapor deposition. Measurements of the heat flow across different surfaces demonstrates that a CNT array as a contact layer will improve the thermal transport in vacuum, with a significant improvement over thermal grease designed for this purpose. An important application for this technology is in a thermal switch, where the contact between the two surfaces is not static and conducting epoxies or thermal grease cannot be used.
Race, environment, and interracial trust

Racial diversity and interpersonal trust are often heralded as virtues in liberal societies. Recent research suggests, however, that such diversity may impede the development of interpersonal trust. Using multilevel modeling, this article explores whether community heterogeneity is inherently inimical to the formation of interracial trust or whether its ill effects can be mitigated or even reversed by certain individual-level characteristics. We find minority concentration and minority empowerment have substantively different impacts on interracial trust and that their effects vary across racial groups. The pattern of these effects suggests that minority concentration may not be viewed as a threat. We further find that the negative effects of minority concentration on interracial trust are counteracted by interracial contact. Collectively, our results suggest that the challenges posed by racial diversity to interracial trust are not insurmountable.
Evidence that Natural Selection on Codon Usage in Drosophila pseudoobscura Varies Across Codons

Like other species of Drosophila, Drosophila pseudoobscura has a distinct bias toward the usage of C- and G-ending codons. Previous studies have indicated that this bias is due, at least in part, to natural selection. Codon bias clearly differs among amino acids (and other codon classes) in Drosophila, which may reflect differences in the intensity of selection on codon usage. Ongoing natural selection on synonymous codon usage should be reflected in the shapes of the site frequency spectra of derived states at polymorphic positions. Specifically, regardless of other demographic effects on the spectrum, it should be shifted toward higher values for changes from less-preferred to more-preferred codons, and toward lower values for the converse. If the intensity of natural selection is increased, shifts in the site frequency spectra should be more pronounced. A total of 33,729 synonymous polymorphic sites on Chromosome 2 in D. pseudoobscura were analyzed. Shifts in the site frequency spectra are consistent with differential intensity of natural selection on codon usage, with stronger shifts associated with higher codon bias. The shifts, in general, are greater for polymorphic synonymous sites than for polymorphic intron sites, also consistent with natural selection. However, unlike observations in D. melanogaster, codon bias is not reduced in areas of low recombination in D. pseudoobscura; the site frequency spectrum signal for selection on codon usage remains strong in these regions. However, diversity is reduced, as expected. It is possible that estimates of low recombination reflect a recent change in recombination rate.
Energy of proton accelerator necessary for treatment of choroidal melanomas.

Abstract We have reviewed 94 patients with choroidal melanoma treated by proton beam therapy at the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory. A beam penetration of 27 mm would be required to treat 90% of the lesions. We conclude that a machine energy of at least 55 and, preferably, 60 MeV would be necessary for a clinically viable therapy unit for the treatment of choroidal melanomas. An extracted beam current of 10 −9 A would be more than sufficient.
Relational Aggression in Preschool Students: An Exploration of the Variables of Sex, Age, and Siblings

In this study, researchers wished to ascertain whether there were age (three- and four-year old), sibling (with or without older siblings), and sex (male and female) differences in the use of relational aggression in preschool students as rated by peers and teachers. Inordertoanswerthisresearchquestion,two2 ×2 ×2factorialANOVAprocedureswiththerelationalaggressioncompositescore as the dependent variable on the PSBS-P and PSBS-T were used for peer and teacher assessment, respectively, of relational aggression. Results revealed that in the peer ratings of preschool students’ relationally aggressive behavior, there was an disordinal age by sibling interaction, in which four-year-old children with siblings were significantly more likely to be rated by their peers as using relational aggression than three-year-old children without siblings. In the teacher ratings of preschool students’ relationally aggressivebehavior,amaineffectforagewasobserved.Teachersratedfour-yearoldchildrenasevidencingsignificantlyhigherlevelsofrelational aggression as compared to three-year-olds. No sex differences were observed in the use of relational aggression either at age three or age four in this sample. Implications for these findings are presented.
Fluent Persuasive Writing With Counterarguments for Students With Emotional Disturbance

Twelve seventh- and eighth-grade students with emotional disturbance participated in a multiple probe, multiple baseline design two-phase intervention study to improve persuasive writing skills. The first phase after baseline taught students to plan and write persuasive essays including counterarguments. In the second phase, students were taught to plan and write fluently in 10 min. Students were assessed on their essay writing, the Woodcock–Johnson Fluency subtest, writing probes, and were interviewed post instruction. Findings revealed that all students mastered the components of effective persuasive essay writing, included counterarguments, and improved from baseline to postinstruction and postfluency phases in length and essay quality. Although students’ performance decreased slightly on surprise maintenance and generalization measures, results remained substantially higher than baseline. Strategy reports revealed all students enjoyed using and seeing the benefits of instruction. Findings are discusse...
Semiprime semigroup rings and a problem of J. Weissglass

If R is a ring and S is a semigroup, the corresponding semigroup ring is denoted by R[S] . A ring is semiprime if it has no nonzero nilpotent ideals. A semigroup S is a semilattice P of semigroups S α if there exists a homomorphism φ of S onto the semilattice P such that S α = αφ −1 for each α ∈ P .
Transmembrane localization of cis-isomers of zeaxanthin in the host dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer membrane

The effects of the 9-cis and 13-cis isomers of zeaxanthin on the molecular organization and dynamics of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) membranes were investigated using conventional and saturation recovery EPR observations of the 1-palmitoyl-2-(14-doxylstearoyl)phosphatidylcholine (14-PC) spin label. The results were compared with the effects caused by the all-trans isomer of zeaxanthin. Effects on membrane fluidity, order, hydrophobicity, and the oxygen transport parameter were monitored at the center of the fluid phase DMPC membrane. The local diffusion-solubility product of oxygen molecules (oxygen transport parameter) in the membrane center, studied by saturation-recovery EPR, decreased by 47% and 27% by including 10 mol% 13-cis and 9-cis zeaxanthin, respectively; whereas, incorporation of all-trans zeaxanthin decreased this parameter by only 11%. At a zeaxanthin-to-DMPC mole ratio of 1:9, all investigated isomers decreased the membrane fluidity and increased the alkyl chain order in the membrane center. They also increased the hydrophobicity of the membrane interior. The effects of these isomers of zeaxanthin on the membrane properties mentioned above increase as: all-trans<9-cis<or=13-cis. Obtained results suggest that the investigated cis-isomers of zeaxanthin, similar to the all-trans isomer, are located in the membrane interior, adopting transmembrane orientation with the polar terminal hydroxyl groups located in the opposite leaflets of the bilayer. However, the existence of the second pool of cis-zeaxanthin molecules located in the one leaflet and anchored by the terminal hydroxyl groups in the same polar headgroup region cannot be completely ruled out.
NikD, an Unusual Amino Acid Oxidase Essential for Nikkomycin Biosynthesis: Structures of Closed and Open Forms at 1.15 and 1.90 Å Resolution

NikD is an unusual amino-acid-oxidizing enzyme that contains covalently bound FAD, catalyzes a 4-electron oxidation of piperideine-2-carboxylic acid to picolinate, and plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of nikkomycin antibiotics. Crystal structures of closed and open forms of nikD, a two-domain enzyme, have been determined to resolutions of 1.15 and 1.9 A, respectively. The two forms differ by an 11 degrees rotation of the catalytic domain with respect to the FAD-binding domain. The active site is inaccessible to solvent in the closed form; an endogenous ligand, believed to be picolinate, is bound close to and parallel with the flavin ring, an orientation compatible with redox catalysis. The active site is solvent accessible in the open form, but the picolinate ligand is approximately perpendicular to the flavin ring and a tryptophan is stacked above the flavin ring. NikD also contains a mobile cation binding loop.