cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of outcomes and novel immune biomarkers in metaplastic breast cancer: a single institution retrospective study

Metaplastic breast cancer remains poorly characterized given its rarity and heterogeneity. The majority of metaplastic breast cancers demonstrate a phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer; however, differences in clinical outcomes between metaplastic breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer in the era of third-generation chemotherapy remain unclear. We compared the clinical outcomes between women with metaplastic breast cancer and women with triple-negative breast cancer diagnosed between 1994 and 2014. Metaplastic breast cancer patients were matched 1:3 to triple-negative breast cancer patients by stage and age at diagnosis. Distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Immune checkpoint markers were characterized by immunohistochemistry in a subset of samples. Forty-four metaplastic breast cancer patients (stage I 14%; stage II 73%; stage III 11%; stage IV 2%) with an average age of 55.4 (± 13.9) years at diagnosis. Median follow-up for the included metaplastic breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer patients (n = 174) was 2.8 (0.1–19.0) years. The DDFS and OS between matched metaplastic breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer patients were similar, even when adjusting for clinical covariates (DDFS: HR = 1.64, p = 0.22; OS: HR = 1.64, p = 0.26). Metaplastic breast cancer samples (n = 27) demonstrated greater amount of CD163 in the stroma (p = 0.05) and PD-L1 in the tumor (p = 0.01) than triple-negative breast cancer samples (n = 119), although more triple-negative breast cancer samples were positive for CD8 in the tumor than metaplastic breast cancer samples (p = 0.02). Patients with metaplastic breast cancer had similar outcomes to those with triple-negative breast cancer based on DDFS and OS. The immune checkpoint marker profile of metaplastic breast cancers in this study may prove useful in future studies attempting to demonstrate an association between immune profile and survival.
Towards Estimation of Three-Dimensional Knee Rotations

Real-time detection of aberrant knee movements in a competition setting may help reduce the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries. We present a hardware design to permit real-time monitoring of knee movement. The proposed device has multiple magnetometer and inertia measurement units, which when combined provide orientation estimates via an extended complementary filter. Knee position is estimated from the sensor orientations and verified against a reference laboratory 3D motion capture system. The proposed method lacks accuracy to resolve quantifiable rotations compared to the reference system; however, the proposed method is useful for free-living, qualitative determination of knee rotations.
Innovation on a Shoestring: An All-Virtual Model for Self-Paced Library Orientation on an Urban Campus

Abstract This article describes VOILA! (Virtual ORSEM Information Literacy Assessment), a Web-based virtual library orientation package targeted at students enrolled in the Hunter College first-year orientation program. The tutorial's self-paced library instruction, two bibliographic instruction modules, virtual tour and quiz are described and evaluated. The entire program can be viewed at http://www.library.hunter.cuny.edu/orsem/voila.htm
Left Ventricular Re-training in Transposition: An Evolution in Concepts

Left ventricular (LV) re-training is utilized for patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) who have undergone a previous atrial switch and develop right ventricular failure and a select subset of patients with congenitally corrected transposition (CC-TGA). We have evaluated our experience with LV re-training in both D- and CC-TGA in a series of publications over the past 6 years. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the evolution in concepts that have occurred with regard to LV re-training. This review will bring together the findings of 4 manuscripts that our group has published on the subject of LV re-training in recent years. This summary includes a total of 61 patients, of whom 25 had D-TGA and 36 had CC-TGA. The median age of the D-TGA patients was 15 years and the median age of the CC-TGA patients was 12 months. Thirteen of 25 (52%) of patients with D-TGA underwent LV re-training and subsequently had a double switch. Ten of these 13 patients are mid-term survivors. To date, 31 of the 36 patients with CC-TGA underwent LV re-training and a double switch with 100% survival in this cohort. Two of the 36 patients with CC-TGA are definitive LV re-training failures, while 3 patients are still in the process of evaluation. LV re-training and late arterial switch can be accomplished in the majority of patients with TGA. However, there is a marked disparity in achieving a successful double switch between D- and CC-TGA.
Cancer Prevention and Screening for Older Adults: Part 1. Lung, Colorectal, Bladder, and Kidney Cancer

The incidence of most cancers increases with age. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in older adults after cardiovascular disease. Many common cancers in older adults can be prevented from occurring or can be identified at an early stage and treated effectively. The prevention and identification of cancer in its early stages, in an attempt to reduce discomfort and disability associated with advanced cancer and cancer treatment, is also a priority. Overscreening for cancer in older adults can lead to unnecessary diagnostic testing and unnecessary treatment. Both older adults and their healthcare providers need guidance on the appropriate use of cancer prevention and screening interventions. This first of a two-part review addresses special considerations regarding cancer prevention for adults aged 65 and older. Screening decisions and the impact of limited life expectancy and an older adult's ability to tolerate cancer treatment are also addressed. Guidance is provided regarding the prevention and early identification of lung, colorectal, bladder, and kidney cancer in older adults. The prevention of breast, prostate, and female urogenital cancers are addressed in Part 2. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2399-2406, 2020.
Mitigating damage growth on National Ignition Facility silica optics by shadowing with ablated cone structures

In this work, an update will be provided on the deployment of shadow cone blockers on NIF grating debris shields. These cones have been demonstrated to reduce the fluence in excess of 11 J/cm2 of an incident 351 nm nanosecond-scale pulse to below the growth threshold of most damage sites. Furthermore, shadow cones will be characterized in terms of their transmission reduction and intensification at downstream surfaces, giving insight into the technique’s broader potential applications and limitations.
The Design of Protest: Choreographing Political Demonstrations in Public Space

Tali Hatuka explores the spatial-political dynamics of protests in The Design of Protest: Choreographing Political Demonstrations in Public Space. Hatuka asks how political possibilities of protest...
Association Between the Early Discontinuation of Durvalumab and Poor Survival in Patients With Stage III NSCLC.

Abstract Introduction Durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation (cCRT) has been found to improve outcomes of patients with unresected stage III NSCLC. However, the survival impact of discontinuing durvalumab early owing to adverse events (AEs) remains unknown. Methods Patients with stage III NSLCC treated with cCRT and greater than or equal to one dose of durvalumab across a multisite cancer center were evaluated. The median durvalumab treatment duration among patients who discontinued owing to AEs (2.1 mo) defined two patient cohorts: early discontinuation ( Results In total, 113 patients treated with cCRT and a median of 8.5 months of durvalumab were assessed, of which 30 (26%) discontinued durvalumab owing to AEs after a median of 2.1 months of treatment. Patients in the early- and late-discontinuation cohorts were treated with a median of 0.9 and 4.3 months of durvalumab, respectively. The median PFS among patients who did not discontinue durvalumab owing to AEs was 29.5 months. Among patients that discontinued durvalumab owing to AEs, overall survival and PFS were inferior in the early- versus late-discontinuation cohort (median PFS = 10.7 versus 32.9 mo, p Conclusions We found that the duration of durvalumab treatment among patients who discontinued therapy owing to AEs impacts survival. However, patients treated with approximately 4 months of durvalumab maintained outcomes as compared with patients who did not discontinue therapy owing to AEs. Durvalumab rechallenge should be considered in patients with less than 2 months of therapy.
DPP-4 Inhibitors and Increased Reporting Odds of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Pharmacovigilance Study of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2006 to 2020

In recent years, an association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and bullous pemphigoid has been detected in pharmacovigilance studies in European and Asian countries; however, no pharmacovigilance data have been published yet in the USA. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between bullous pemphigoid and DPP-4 inhibitors and other oral diabetes mellitus medications in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Case/non-case analyses were performed in the FAERS using data from 2006 to 2020 to examine the reporting odds ratio (ROR) signal for bullous pemphigoid for all classes of oral diabetes medications. These analyses were performed under multiple conditions to control for bias: (1) comparison to all other drugs in the FAERS; (2) comparison to other diabetes medications; and (3) comparison to all other diabetes medications where only a single agent was implicated. A statistically significant ROR for bullous pemphigoid was found for DPP-4 inhibitors under all conditions: (1) 109.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 101.61–118.62); (2) 74.46 (95% CI 60.58–91.52); and (3) 35.94 (95% CI 27.91–46.28). A larger signal was seen for non-US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved (anagliptin, vildagliptin, teneligliptin) vs FDA-approved DPP-4 inhibitors (alogliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin), likely because of an overestimation of the ROR for non-FDA-approved drugs. The largest signal was seen under conditions 1 and 2 with vildagliptin (1) 1022.83 (95% CI 909.45–1150.35) and (2) 158.84 (95% CI 127.01–198.66) followed by anagliptin (1) 628.63 (95% CI 221.36–1785.24) and (2) 60.64 (95% CI 20.98–175.26), alogliptin, teneligliptin, linagliptin, sitagliptin, and saxagliptin. Under condition 3, the largest signal was seen with linagliptin 122.25 (95% CI 93.96–159.07). Both metformin and the sulfonylureas had a significant ROR under condition 2 [3.42 (95% CI 3.01–3.89) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.66–2.57) respectively]; however, this association was not present under condition 3 as only confounded cases occurred, and a large majority of reported cases had concurrent exposure to a DPP-4 inhibitor. Our findings support an association between DPP-4 inhibitors and bullous pemphigoid. This association was maintained under controls to limit bias and falsely elevated signal, including controlling for disease state and cases with multiple drug exposures. Non-FDA-approved DPP-4 inhibitors had a larger ROR compared with FDA-approved DPP-4 inhibitors, likely owing to fewer reported adverse effects overall for non-FDA-approved drugs in FAERS.
Origin of enhanced water oxidation activity in an iridium single atom anchored on NiFe oxyhydroxide catalyst.

The efficiency of the synthesis of renewable fuels and feedstocks from electrical sources is limited, at present, by the sluggish water oxidation reaction. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with a controllable coordination environment and exceptional atom utilization efficiency open new paradigms toward designing high-performance water oxidation catalysts. Here, using operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements with calculations of spectra and electrochemical activity, we demonstrate that the origin of water oxidation activity of IrNiFe SACs is the presence of highly oxidized Ir single atom (Ir5.3+) in the NiFe oxyhydroxide under operating conditions. We show that the optimal water oxidation catalyst could be achieved by systematically increasing the oxidation state and modulating the coordination environment of the Ir active sites anchored atop the NiFe oxyhydroxide layers. Based on the proposed mechanism, we have successfully anchored Ir single-atom sites on NiFe oxyhydroxides (Ir0.1/Ni9Fe SAC) via a unique in situ cryogenic-photochemical reduction method that delivers an overpotential of 183 mV at 10 mA ⋅ cm- 2 and retains its performance following 100 h of operation in 1 M KOH electrolyte, outperforming the reported catalysts and the commercial IrO2 catalysts. These findings open the avenue toward an atomic-level understanding of the oxygen evolution of catalytic centers under in operando conditions.
Psychophysics of windnoise and sound quality engineering

At relatively high speeds, windnoise becomes a dominant component in the interior of most automobiles and is often determined to be objectionable in customer evaluations. While subjective ratings improve when the loudness of the windnoise is reduced, it is not always possible to achieve such level reduction. The present paper addresses whether it is possible to improve the sound quality of the windnoise without altering its loudness, e.g., whether some shapes of windnoise spectra are preferred over others. To determine whether spectral shape affects the sound quality of windnoise, active sensory tuning (AST) was used [Sterian, Runkle, and Wakefield, Intl. Conf. Acoust. Speech and Sig. Proc., 1995]. This methodology, in general, allows listeners to efficiently and selectively adjust the parameters governing an acoustic signal to optimize along some subjective dimension. In the particular case, we chose spectral shape as the key attribute of our windnoise investigation, parameterized shape using an equalizer model, and asked listeners to judge candidate signals according to a preference criterion. A genetic-algorithm version of the AST procedure was implemented based on psychophysical studies of shape sensitivity. Results from these studies, the slope and shape quantization model, and preferred shapes will be presented and discussed in light of the controllable surfaces in windnoise generation. (Work supported by grants from the Ford Motor Company and the Office of Naval Research.).
The extended and eccentric E-DNA structure induced by cytosine methylation or bromination.

Cytosine methylation or bromination of the DNA sequence d(GGCGCC)2 is shown here to induce a novel extended and eccentric double helix, which we call E-DNA. Like B-DNA, E-DNA has a long helical rise and bases perpendicular to the helix axis. However, the 3′-endo sugar conformation gives the characteristic deep major groove and shallow minor groove of A-DNA. Also, if allowed to crystallize for a period of time longer than that yielding E-DNA, the methylated sequence forms standard A-DNA, suggesting that E-DNA is a kinetically trapped intermediate in the transition to A-DNA. Thus, the structures presented here chart a crystallographic pathway from B-DNA to A-DNA through the E-DNA intermediate in a single sequence. The E-DNA surface is highly accessible to solvent, with waters in the major groove sitting on exposed faces of the stacked nucleotides. We suggest that the geometry of the waters and the stacked base pairs would promote the spontaneous deamination of 5-methylcytosine in the transition mutation of dm5C-dG to dT-dA base pairs.
Overt, Covert, and Subtle Sexism. A Comparison Between the Attitudes Toward Women and Modern Sexism Scales

The Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS) is routinely used as a general measure of sexism. In this article, it is argued that the AWS (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1973) actually measures overt or blatant sexism (harmful and unequal treatment of women that is intentional, visible, and unambiguous), whereas the Modern Sexism Scale (MS) measures covert or subtle forms of sexism (sexism that is either hidden and clandestine or unnoticed because it is built into cultural and societal norms). Support for this distinction is shown by way of (a) confirmatory factor analyses, (b) correlations with affective reactions to different categories of women and men (i.e., women and men in general, traditional women and men, feminists, and chauvinists), and (c) correlations with perceptions of sexual harassment. These analyses indicate that the AWS and MS scales measure distinct but related constructs.
Installation of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Superconducting Linac

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) superconducting linac (SCL) consists of 11 medium beta (0.61) and 12 high beta (0.81) superconducting RF cryomodules, 32 intersegment quadrupole magnet/diagnostics stations, 9 spool beampipes for future upgrade cryomodules, and two differential pumping stations on either end of the SCL. The cryomodules and spool beampipes were designed and manufactured by Jefferson Laboratory, and the quadrupole magnets and beam position monitors were designed and furnished by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Remaining items were designed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. At present the SCL is being installed and tested. This paper discusses the experience gained during installation and the performance in terms of mechanical and cryogenic systems.
The sampling distribution of linkage disequilibrium under an infinite allele model without selection

The sampling distributions of several statistics that measure the association of alleles on gametes (linkage disequilibrium) are estimated under a two-locus neutral infinite allele model using an efficient Monte Carlo method. An often used approximation for the mean squared linkage disequilibrium is shown to be inaccurate unless the proper statistical conditioning is used. The joint distribution of linkage disequilibrium and the allele frequencies in the sample is studied. This estimated joint distribution is sufficient for obtaining an approximate maximum likelihood estimate of C = 4Nc, where N is the population size and c is the recombination rate. It has been suggested that observations of high linkage disequilibrium might be a good basis for rejecting a neutral model in favor of a model in which natural selection maintains genetic variation. It is found that a single sample of chromosomes, examined at two loci cannot provide sufficient information for such a test if C less than 10, because with C this small, very high levels of linkage disequilibrium are not unexpected under the neutral model. In samples of size 50, it is found that, even when C is as large as 50, the distribution of linkage disequilibrium conditional on the allele frequencies is substantially different from the distribution when there is no linkage between the loci. When conditioned on the number of alleles at each locus in the sample, all of the sample statistics examined are nearly independent of theta = 4N mu, where mu is the neutral mutation rate.
Five Strategic Imperatives For Interdisciplinary Study In Mass Communications/Media Studies In The U.S. And U.K.

Interdisciplinary study can allow students to share ideas with scholars in allied fields and broaden their knowledge of global issues. Mass communication/media studies programs in the U.S. and U.K. can serve as models to lead students into successful learning through interdisciplinary study. This paper outlines five strategic imperatives for the study of mass communication/media studies in the U.S. and U.K. Curriculum improvements are suggested for helping students evolve and grow into leaders in the field.
A conceptually unique speech training aid system

A set of newly patented concepts has been developed into a system of speech training aids which can provide help for speech disordered, deaf, and hard-of-hearing patients. In the clinic, an attache case of electronics and an oscilloscope provide two forms of visual presentation which have exhibited strong bio-feedback properties to reinforce good speech production. An audio equivalent is provided for hard-of-hearing patients to wear as a hearing aid. A visual equivalent is practical for the deaf to wear both in and out of the clinic. The cost of pre-production units is a few thousand dollars.
Identification of Shigella invasion genes by isolation of temperature-regulated inv::lacZ operon fusions.

Penetration and multiplication within cells of the human colonic epithelium are hallmarks of Shigella spp. pathogenicity. Shigella spp. virulence is regulated by growth temperature. Strains phenotypically virulent when grown at 37 degrees C are phenotypically avirulent when grown at 30 degrees C. The number of genes involved in Shigella spp. pathogenicity and how many virulence genes are temperature regulated are unknown. To facilitate the study of temperature-regulated virulence in Shigella spp., we employed lacZ operon fusion technology to identify temperature-regulated invasion (inv) genes. Four inv::lacZ fusion mutants were identified and found to be unable to invade HeLa cells. The fusions were located in a region of the 220-kilobase invasion plasmid defined as the minimal amount of DNA required for invasion, and they were controlled by virR, the temperature-dependent virulence gene regulator. Western blot (immunoblot) and Southern hybridization analyses indicated that one of the fusions was located in a known inv gene, ipaB, which encodes one of the major immunogenic peptides of Shigella spp. This ipaB::lacZ operon fusion mutant synthesized a truncated IpaB protein recognized by IpaB-specific monoclonal antibodies. Three of the fusions were within novel genes mapping to regions previously identified as essential for a positive virulence phenotype. Analysis of bacterial surface proteins suggested that the genes marked by these fusions may play a role in the correct surface expression of the ipaB and ipaC gene products. Images
Effect of stable layer formation over the Po valley on the development of convection during MAP IOP-8

During intensive observation period (IOP)-8 of the Mesoscale Alpine Program, there was a stable layer of air in the lowest levels of the Po Valley and just upstream of the Apennines. In this study, the effects of the stable layer on the formation of convection in the southern Alpine region were investigated through a series of two-dimensional, idealized experiments. The goals of this study were twofold: 1) to determine if stable layer strength affected the placement of convection and 2) to test the notion that the stable layer during IOP-8 behaved as an effective mountain. To accomplish the first objective, three simulations were compared in which the strength of the inversion and low-level cooling in the Po Valley and upstream of the Apennines was varied. The results of these simulations show that the stronger the inversion and low-level cooling, the farther south the convection was positioned. Additionally, it was found that convection developed as a result of the formation of a broad region of moist instability over the stable layer. Cellular convection developed in this region of moist instability. The second objective was tested through a simulation where the cold pool was replaced by terrain (MMTN). As in the reference (or STB10) simulation, the upslope of the terrain in the MMTN simulation was characterized by a wide zone of moist instability. However, wave structures to the lee of the Apennines were markedly different in the STB10 and MMTN simulations. This led to different convective and precipitation patterns, with the MMTN simulation exhibiting heavier convection over the Po Valley while the heaviest convection in STB10 was upstream of the Apennines. These results suggest that, at best, the stable layer in the STB10 simulation can only be roughly approximated by terrain.
Neurobehavioral profiles during the acute phase of ethanol withdrawal in adolescent and adult Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract Rationale Adolescent and adult rats show differential sensitivity to many of the effects of ethanol. Objectives The current studies were designed to further explore differences in the development of ethanol dependence by examining anxiety-like behavior, acoustic startle, prepulse inhibition, and EEG activity during the acute phase of ethanol withdrawal. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ethanol vapor (12 h/day for 14 days) during adolescence or adulthood. Neurobehavioral assessments were performed before exposure began and then during the acute phase of ethanol withdrawal (i.e., 7–10 h after the termination of daily ethanol exposure). Results Behavior in the light–dark box did not reveal indices of pronounced anxiety-like behavior in ethanol exposed rats from either age group during withdrawal. Acoustic startle magnitude was significantly reduced and prepulse inhibition significantly enhanced in ethanol exposed rats during withdrawal, but these changes were independent of age. Frontal cortical EEG activity was not altered during ethanol withdrawal, but high frequency power in the parietal power EEG (i.e., 16–32 and 32–50 Hz) was selectively increased in ethanol exposed adolescents. Conclusions The overall indices of ethanol withdrawal observed in these studies were mild, but these data do support the hypothesis that ethanol withdrawal symptoms can differentially develop in adolescent and adult rats. However, sensitivity to ethanol during adolescence can be increased or decreased depending on the symptom being assessed. As a result, it is unclear if more rapid development of ethanol dependence in adolescents is a factor, which facilitates the development of alcoholism.
Geometric approach to attitude dynamics and control of spacecraft with variable speed control moment gyroscopes

The attitude dynamics of a spacecraft with a variable speed control moment gyroscope (VSCMG), in the presence of conservative external inputs, are derived in the framework of geometric mechanics. A complete dynamics model, that relaxes some of the assumptions made in prior literature on control moment gyroscopes, is obtained. These dynamics equations show the complex nonlinear coupling between the internal degrees of freedom associated with the CMG and the spacecraft base body's attitude degrees of freedom. General ideas on how this coupling can be used to control the angular momentum of the base body of the spacecraft using changes in the momentum variables of a finite number of VSCMGs, are provided. Placement of VSCMGs in the spacecraft base body is carried out in a manner that avoids singularities in the transformation between VSCMG angular rates and required instantaneous base body angular momentum. A control scheme using n VSCMGs for slew to rest attitude maneuvers in the absence of external torques and when the total angular momentum of the spacecraft is zero, is presented. Numerical simulation results obtained for a spacecraft with three VSCMGs confirm the stability properties of the feedback system.
A control volume approach to a shock front propagating in laminated hyperelastic media

Abstract Finite amplitude shock wave front propagating in laminated semi-infinite bodies made of hyperelastic materials is analyzed using the concept of a control volume. The shock front is generated by an impulsive load which is applied to the one end of the semi-infinite body, and propagates steadily in the direction of the lamination. A control volume is therein defined to contain and move with the shock front and a set of steady-state conservation equations is written as in the case of a flow problem. These equations are solved with the aid of the material constitutive relations and the appropriate geometrical and boundary conditions. An illustrative problem of a semi-infinite plate is solved in detail, using rubber-like materials of the Neo-Hookean type. The numerical results for this problem are depicted in graphs, which display a marked non-linear shock Hugoniot relation.
Elucidating a Relationship between Conformational Sampling and Drug Resistance in HIV-1 Protease

Enzyme targets in rapidly replicating systems, such as retroviruses, commonly respond to drug-selective pressure with mutations arising in the active site pocket that limit inhibitor effectiveness by introducing steric hindrance or by eliminating essential molecular interactions. However, these primary mutations are disposed to compromising pathogenic fitness. Emerging secondary mutations, which are often found outside of the binding cavity, may or can restore fitness while maintaining drug resistance. The accumulated drug pressure selected mutations could have an indirect effect in the development of resistance, such as altering protein flexibility or the dynamics of protein–ligand interactions. Here, we show that accumulation of mutations in a drug-resistant HIV-1 protease (HIV-1 PR) variant, D30N/M36I/A71V, changes the fractional occupancy of the equilibrium conformational sampling ensemble. Correlations are made among populations of the conformational states, namely, closed-like, semiopen, and open-li...
Surface Treatment of Hydrated Silica Pigments for Reinforcement of Rubber Stocks

Abstract Many finely divided solids have been added to elastomers to effect reinforcement of the cured stocks. It is generally agreed that the more finely divided the solid and the greater the degree of physical adhesion (wetting) between the surface of the filler and the polymer chains, the greater will be the general overall reinforcing effect. However, recent work on the mechanism of reinforcement has indicated that an important, if not limiting, property of the filler, in at least modulus reinforcement, is the immobilization of polymer segments on the solid surface. The immobilization is effected by the formation of strong chemisorptive bonds, if not covalent bonds, between the polymer and the filler. The application of this concept to carbon blacks has been discussed in detail by the authors, and similar conclusions have been reached by Blanchard and Parkinson and by Barton, Smallwood, and Ganzhorn. Up to the present time carbon blacks are unique as reinforcing agents in Hevea and GR-S type polymers....
In Vitro Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam as Determined by Broth Dilution and Agar Diffusion Assays against Recent U.S. Escherichia coli Isolates from 2010 to 2011 Carrying CTX-M-Type Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases

Ceftolozane MIC50/MIC90s were 4/8 μg/ml when tested against 26 CTX-M-14-type-producing isolates and 64/>64 μg/ml against 219 CTX-M-15-type-producing isolates. The addition of 4 μg/ml tazobactam lowered the ceftolozane MIC50/MIC90s to ≤0.25/0.5 μg/ml by broth microdilution and Etest. The zone diameters for the ceftolozane-tazobactam disks were 23 to 29 mm for 92.2% of the isolates.
Phonon emission into a diffusive and anharmonic medium

Abstract Anharmonic interactions are introduced into a simple model of phonon emission into an insulating substrate from a metal surface film. No qualitative changes are found in the time evolution of the heater temperature but the phonon distribution in the substrate is noticeably changed, reflecting the coupling of phonons at different frequencies.
Applications of statistical methods to American football

The rules of American football favor the strategic placement of the 11 players per team making the identification of statistical tendencies a particularly useful capability. Gambling on American football games is explained. Several automated prediction techniques are discussed and compared, including least squares, weighted least squares, James-Stein, and Harville. A more data-intensive approach is discussed. That approach has coaching implications as well as predictive ability.
Chloridation-oxidation of nine commercial high-temperature alloys at 800°C

Chloridation-oxidation studies of nine commercial high-temperature alloys were carried out at 800°C in three different H2-HCl-H2O(ν) environments: (A) both low HCl and H2O(ν) partial pressures, where either Cr2O3 or FeCr2O4 is stable, (B) both high HCl and H2O(ν) partial pressures, where FeCrO4 is stable and CrCl2 is metastable, and (C) high HCl partial pressure in the absence of H2O(ν), where either CrCl2 or Cr2O3 is stable. Although alloy 600 has the lowest Cr content of these nine alloys, it showed excellent corrosion resistance in all three environments because of its high Ni content. Alloy 304, with the lowest Ni content of the nine alloys, exhibited poor corrosion resistance in the environment C, fair resistance in the environment B and good resistance in the environment A. Alloy 800 showed very good resistance in Environment A, and fair corrosion resistance in Environment B; however, it suffered linear weight-loss kinetics when exposed to Environment C The alloys 617, 214, HR-160, X, 230 and 86 have good corrosion resistance in Environments A and B because of their relatively high contents of oxide-scale-forming elements Cr and/or Al. In Environment C, chlorine dramatically decreased the adhesion of the scale on the surface, and aluminum in alloys 617 and 214 hardly showed its usual beneficial effect in combating corrosion, nor does silicon in alloy HR-160. Different corrosion mechanisms are proposed for the alloys in the different environments.
Minority women, health, and healing in the U.S.: Basic bibliography

(1989). Minority women, health, and healing in the U.S.: Basic bibliography. Women's Studies: Vol. 17, Across Cultures: The Spectrum of Women's Lives, pp. 145-147.
Preparation and characterization of siloxane-containing thermoplastic polyimides

Copolyimides and homopolyimides of bis(gamma-aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane and 3,3'-diaminobenzophenone have been prepared with benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride. The properties of the copolyimides were compared with those of the homopolyimides to assess the effect of incorporation of siloxane groups in the backbone. Applications of the polymers as adhesives and mouldings are discussed.
Studies of mutagenicity and clastogenicity of 5-azacytidine in human lymphoblasts and Salmonella typhimurium.

5-Azacytidine (5-AzaC) induced mutation in the TK+/− human lymphoblastoid line, TK6, at both the thymidine kinase (tk) locus as measured by resistance to trifluorothymidine (F3TdR), and the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (hgprt) locus, as measured by resistance to 6-thioguanine (6TG). F3TdRR and 6TGR mutant fractions induced by 5-AzaC were observed after a normal phenotypic expression time and remained stable. Interestingly, 5-AzaC was 5–10 times more mutagenic at the tk locus than the hgprt locus. However, F3TdRR colonies from 5-AzaC-treated cultures behaved like TK-deficient mutants induced by other chemical mutagens. The TK or HGPRT phenotype had no effect on the toxicity of 5-AzaC, thus eliminating differential toxicity as a potential cause for the observed higher mutability at the tk locus. 5-AzaC did not induce F3TdRR cells in the parental TK+/+ lymphoblastoid line, indicating that 5-AzaC-induced F3TdRR variants were not due to a dominant alteration in gene expression. 5-AzaC did not induce chromosomal aberrations in TK6 cells, eliminating clastogenic events as a potential cause for the higher mutability at the tk locus. 5-AzaC was also found to be mutagenic in a forward mutation assay to 8-azaguanine resistance in Salmonella typhimurium.
Using option prices to estimate realignment probabilities in the European Monetary System: the case of sterling-mark

Abstract This paper describes a procedure for estimating the market's perceived probability distribution of future exchange rates from the prices of risk reversals, strangles and other currency options, and uses the procedure to estimate the risk neutral ex ante probability of a realignment of the pound sterling. The procedure for estimating the realignment probabilities relies on the jump-diffusion model of exchange rate behavior and the resulting option pricing formula. By fitting this model to market option price data, I retrieve the unobserved parameters of the jump-diffusion process. I then use these parameter estimates to estimate the ex ante probability distribution of exchange rates and thus the realignment probabilities.
Measures of obesity and age-related eye diseases.

OBJECTIVE. To compare body mass index with waist-to-hip ratio as correlates of age-related eye disease. DESIGN. Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS. Participants of the Beaver Dam Eye Study at 5-year follow-up examinations. METHODS. Body mass index was computed from weight and height, and waist-to-hip ratio was computed from measurements all done at the 5-year examination. Presence of ocular lesions was based on gradings of standard photographs of the retina and lens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Presence of early and late age-related maculopathy and nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. RESULTS. In women, early age-related maculopathy was significantly associated with both body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. The relationship between waist-to-hip ratio and late age-related maculopathy was of borderline significance. When analyzed as continuous measures, waist-to-hip ratio was more strongly associated with nearly every outcome compared to body mass index. In men, there was ...
Age differences in strategy shift: Retrieval avoidance or general shift reluctance?

Previous studies of metacognitive age differences in skill acquisition strategies have relied exclusively on tasks with a processing shift from an algorithm to retrieval strategy. Older adults’ demonstrated reluctance to shift strategies in such tasks could reflect either a specific aversion to a memory retrieval strategy or a general, inertial resistance to strategy change. Haider and Frensch’s (1999) alphabet verification task (AVT) affords a non-retrieval-based strategy shift. Participants verify the continuation of alphabet strings such as D E F G [4] L, with the bracketed digit indicating a number of letters to be skipped. When all deviations are restricted to the letter-digit-letter portion, participants can speed their responses by selectively attending to only that part of the stimulus. We adapted the AVT to include conditions that promoted shift to a retrieval strategy, a selective attention strategy, or both strategies. Item-level strategy reports were validated by eye movement data. Older adults shifted more slowly to the retrieval strategy but more quickly to the selective attention strategy than young adults, indicating a retrieval-strategy avoidance. Strategy confidence and perceived strategy difficulty correlated with shift to the two strategies in both age groups. Perceived speed of responses with each strategy specifically correlated with older adults’ strategy choices, suggesting that some older adults avoid retrieval because they do not appreciate its efficiency benefits.
AN IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF FOUR STRONG Mg II ABSORBERS REVEALED BY GRB 060418

We present results from an imaging and spectroscopic study of four strong Mg II absorbers of W(2796) {approx}> 1 A revealed by the afterglow of GRB 060418 at z{sub GRB} = 1.491. These absorbers, at z = 0.603, 0.656, 1.107, and z {sub GRB}, exhibit large ion abundances that suggest neutral gas columns characteristic of damped Ly{alpha} systems. The imaging data include optical images obtained using Low-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) on the Keck I telescope and using Advanced Camera for Surveys on board Hubble Space Telescope, and near-infrared H-band images obtained using Persson's Auxiliary Nasmyth Infrared Camera on the Magellan Baade Telescope and K'-band images obtained using NIRC2 with laser guide star adaptive optics on the Keck II telescope. These images reveal six distinct objects at {delta} {theta} {approx}< 3.''5 of the afterglow's position, two of which exhibit well-resolved mature disk morphology, one shows red colors, and three are blue compact sources. Follow-up spectroscopic observations using LRIS confirm that one of the disk galaxies coincides with the Mg II absorber at z = 0.656. The observed broadband spectral energy distributions of the second disk galaxy and the red source indicate that they are associated with the absorbers at z =more » 0.603 and z = 1.107, respectively. These results show that strong Mg II absorbers identified in gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow spectra are associated with typical galaxies of luminosity {approx}0.1 - 1 L{sub *} at impact parameter of {rho} {approx}< 10 h {sup -1} kpc. The close angular separation would preclude easy detections toward a bright quasar. Finally, we associate the remaining three blue compact sources with the GRB host galaxy, noting that they are likely star-forming knots located at projected distances of {rho} = 2 - 12 h {sup -1} kpc from the afterglow. At the afterglow's position, we derive a 2{sigma} upper limit to the underlying star-formation rate intensity of 0.0074 M{sub sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2}.« less
An Analysis of Rape Patterns in White and Black Rapists

Summary A number of characteristics of rapists in the state of Georgia, their victims, and the acts of rape themselves were correlated and submitted to independent factor analyses for black and white rapists. The factor structures for the two races were similar in some ways but distinct in others. Factor 1 for black rapists loaded positively with age, negatively with education, and negatively with the use of psychological threat. Factor 1 for white rapists included a plus loading for age and a minus loading for education, the same as for the black rapists. However, positive loadings on closeness of relationship to the victim and premeditation also were found for whites on this factor. A second factor for black rapists included a positive loading on two items: closeness of association with the victim and premeditation. Post hoc analysis revealed that white rapists were more likely to use physical force with victims to whom they were more closely related, whereas black rapists showed an increased likelihood...
Actual and perceived activity levels in polio survivors and older controls: a longitudinal study.

Abstract Klein MG, Braitman LE, Costello R, Keenan MA, Esquenazi A. Actual and perceived activity levels in polio survivors and older controls: a longitudinal study. Objective To examine factors associated with daily step activity, perceived activity, maximum walking speed, and walking speed reserve over time in polio survivors and older adults with no history of polio. Design Longitudinal study. Setting A research clinic and the community. Participants Polio survivors (n=96; 65 in postpolio syndrome [PPS] group, 31 in non-PPS group) and older adults (n=112) with no history of polio. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Daily step activity, perceived activity, maximum walking speed, and walking speed reserve. Results Results showed decreases in perceived activity over time in the PPS group. However, there was no change in average daily walking activity. Overall, polio survivors walk less and have a smaller walking speed reserve than controls. Knee strength was positively associated with maximum walking speed and walking speed reserve in all groups. Weight and age were associated with daily step activity in controls but not polio survivors. Conclusions Daily walking activity did not change statistically over the 3-year study period, although perceived activity and the walking speed reserve decreased among polio survivors with PPS. On average, polio survivors appear to function with minimal functional reserve, as their preferred walking speed was close to their maximum speed.
Photo-enhancement of the catalytic methanation reaction

Abstract The effect of high solar flux on the methanation catalytic reaction has been investigated. Irradiation of a polycrystalline foil nickel catalyst at a flux of 1.4 MW/m 2 has resulted in a 100% increase in methane yield for the reaction. This high-flux photo-enhancement is believed to be due to photo-enhanced dissociation of CO molecules on the nickel catalyst surface. The observed photo-enhanced catalysis realizes a spectrally specific use of concentrated solar radiation.
Assessment of time-domain analyses for estimation of low-frequency respiratory mechanical properties and impedance spectra

Time-domain estimation has been invoked for tracking of respiratory mechanical properties using primarily a simple single-compartment model containing a series resistance (Rrs) and elastance (Ers). However, owing to the viscoelastic properties of respiratory tissues,Rrs andErs exhibit frequency dependence below 2 Hz. The goal of this study was to investigate the bias and statistical accuracy of various time-domain approaches with respect to model properties, as well as the estimated impedance spectra. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing the tracking capability using a standard step ventilation. A simulation study compared continuous-timeversus discrete-time approaches for both the single-compartment and two-compartment models. Data were acquired in four healthy humans and two dogs before and after induced severe pulmonary edema while applying sinusoidal and standard ventilator forcing.Rrs andErs were estimated either by the standard Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) approach or by a time-domain least square estimation. Results show that the continuous-time model form produced the least bias and smallest parameter uncertainty for a single-compartment analysis and is quite amenable for reliable on-line tracking. The discrete-time approach exhibits large uncertainty and bias, particularly with increasing noise in the flow data. In humans, the time-domain approach produced smooth estimates ofRrs andErs spectra, but they were statistically unreliable at the lower frequencies. In dogs, both the FFT and time-domain analysis produced reliable and stable estimates forRrs orErs spectra for frequencies out to 2 Hz in all conditions. Nevertheless, obtaining stable on-line parameter estimates for the two-compartment viscoelastic models remained difficult. We conclude that time-domain analysis of respiratory mechanics should invoke a continuous-time model form.
Weight maintenance, behaviors and barriers among previous participants of a university-based weight control program.

Weight maintenance, behaviors and barriers among previous participants of a university-based weight control program
Ovine corticotropin-releasing factor increases endocrine and immunologic activity of avian leukocytes in vitro.

AbstractTreatment of splenic leukocytes from Cornell K strain male chickens (homozygous at the B15 locus of the major histocompatibility complex) with ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (oCRF), before their co-incubation with naive chicken adrenal cells, resulted in an increase in corticosterone production. Supernatants from the oCRF-treated splenic leukocytes caused a time-dependent increase in corticosterone production when incubated with chicken adrenal cells. Adding oCRF directly to chicken adrenal cells did not increase corticosterone production. Pretreatment of peripheral leukocytes with oCRF increased their activity in a concanavalin A mitogen assay. Thus, chicken leukocytes stimulated with corticotropin releasing factor appear to increase the production of an “adrenocorticotropin-like” substance (adrenocorticotropin-like because it increases corticosterone production by adrenal cells), and increased their cell-mediated immune activity.