cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fitness correlates of obligatory versus health motives for exercise: An examination of men in the military

Abstract Objectives To examine quantity of exercise and motives for exercise as predictors of men in the military’s health and fitness level. Design Participants completed a survey to address research questions of interest. Methods One-hundred and fourteen men who were active duty Air Force members, with a mean age of 31.43 years (SD = 7.43) and an average military time in service of 10.66 years (SD = 7.75), completed a modified version of the Reasons for Exercise Inventory, a survey assessing their quantity of exercise, and reported their most recent score on their Air Force Fitness Test. Results Correlational analyses indicated a relation between quantity of exercise and men’s score on the Air Force Fitness Test and a relation between intrinsic motives for exercise and quantity of exercise. Intrinsic motivation was found to moderate the relation between quantity of exercise and men’s health and fitness score. Conclusions Men in the military who exercise because of their military obligation are less likely to score high on the Air Force Fitness Test than are men who are motivated to exercise for health benefits.
The impulse approximation in high-energy highly inelastic electron scattering from nuclei

Abstract Experimental data on high-energy inclusive inelastic electron- 4 He scattering are studied in terms of previously known electron-nucleon scattering data using the impulse approximation. Impressive agreement is obtained except on either side of the quasielastic peak.
The representational biases of federalism: Scope and bias in the political process, revisited

In 1960, E.E. Schattschneider noted that every change in the scope of political conflict has a bias; political conflicts that are localized tend to be highly restrictive, while nationalizing conflicts can draw in previously excluded groups. In contrast to this conventional wisdom, this paper suggests that the question of which venues are open to which interests is an empirical one.Lisa L. Miller is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University (miller@polisci.rutgers.edu). The author would like to thank Frank Baumgartner, Regina Lawrence, Beth Leech, Michael McCann, and Marie Gottschalk, as well as the three anonymous reviewers, for their invaluable comments on earlier drafts.
Palliative care consultations for heart failure patients: how many, when, and why?

Abstract Objective In preparation for development of a palliative care intervention for patients with heart failure (HF) and their caregivers, we aimed to characterize the HF population receiving palliative care consultations (PCCs). Methods and Results Reviewing charts from January 2006 to April 2011, we analyzed HF patient data including demographic and clinical characteristics, Seattle Heart Failure scores, and PCCs. Using Atlas qualitative software, we conducted a content analysis of PCC notes to characterize palliative care assessment and treatment recommendations. There were 132 HF patients with PCCs, of which 37% were New York Heart Association functional class III and 50% functional class IV. Retrospectively computed Seattle Heart Failure scores predicted 1-year mortality of 29% [interquartile range (IQR) 19–45] and median life expectancy of 2.8 years [IQR 1.6–4.2] years. Of the 132 HF patients, 115 (87%) had died by the time of the audit. In that cohort the actual median time from PCC to death was 21 [IQR 3–125] days. Reasons documented for PCCs included goals of care (80%), decision making (24%), hospice referral/discussion (24%), and symptom management (8%). Conclusions Despite recommendations, PCCs are not being initiated until the last month of life. Earlier referral for PCC may allow for integration of a broader array of palliative care services.
730-3 “Directional” Coronary Atherectomy Removes Atheroma More Effectively from Concentric than Eccentric Lesions: Intravascular Ultrasound Predictors of Lesional Success

Objectives Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) was developed to remove atheroma from eccentric lesions. Conventional teaching proposes that DCA is most effective for eccentric plaques; however, no data have correlated plaque configuration with atheroma removal. Methods We performed intravascular ultrasound and angiography to assess the effect of plaque distribution and morphology on acute lesional success (percentage of plaque removed). We examined 101 target lesions and reference sites in 88 patients pre-and post-atherectomy. A core laboratory, blinded to outcome, classified lesions as concentric if plaque exceeded 0.75 mm in thickness for the entire 360° vessel circumference. Lesions with sparing of a portion of the vessel circumference (minimum plaque thickness l 0.75 mm) were classified as eccentric. Other variables quantified by ultrasound included the presence and arc (in degrees) of vessel wall calcification. Results Angiographic lesion eccentricity and/or calcification did not correlate with percentage of plaque removed. The presence of ultrasound calcium decreased the percentage of plaque removed from 24.2% to 13.6%, p = 0.05. The arc of ultrasound calcification correlated inversely with plaque removal, r = 0.55. Most importantly: Ultrasound Plaque Distribution Concentric Lesions Eccentric Lesions p value Plaque Removed (mm 2 ) 4.66 2.43 0.003 Plaque Removed (%) 29.9 18.7 0.02 Adjunctive Balloon 56% 81% 0.05 Conclusions Contrary to current doctrine, atherectomy achieves better plaque removal and requires adjunctive balloon less often in lesions with concentric, rather than eccentric, atheromata. Ultrasound target lesion calcification is a negative predictor of plaque removal.
The effect of home or novel environment on the facilitation of passive avoidance by post-training ethanol.

Passive avoidance behavior of mice is improved when mice are injected with ethanol immediately after footshock training. Further study has shown that avoidance can be affected by ethanol injections given within 1 h, but not at 90 or 180 min, after training. The present study was conducted to investigate the possibility that events which occur in the homecage during this sensitive period may influence the effect of ethanol on subsequent avoidance. Male Swiss—Webster mice were housed either singly in a novel environment for 90 min or returned to their (group) homecage following one-trial, step-through, passive avoidance training (0.1 mA footshock) and intraperitoneal injection of 3.0 g/kg ethanol (15% v/v) or saline. As in previous studies, when ethanol-treated mice were returned to their homecage, avoidance was significantly increased at 24 h compared to the behavior of saline-treated mice. However, when mice were isolated in the novel environment for 90 min immediately following treatment, the memory facilitating effects of ethanol were not observed. The avoidance behavior of mice injected with saline was the same regardless of their post-training environment. Also, the number of mice (6 or 10) housed per homecage did not significantly influence the effects of ethanol or post-training environment on avoidance. These findings indicate that environmental factors may interact with the effects of ethanol to modify avoidance behavior. The possible influence of variables such as aggression, thermoregulation, and behavioral arousal on the effects of ethanol in this paradigm are discussed.
Comparison of kaon and pion valence quark distributions in a statistical model

Abstract We have calculated the Bjorken-x dependence of the kaon and pion valence quark distributions in a statistical model. Each meson is described by a Fock state expansion in terms of quarks, antiquarks and gluons. Although Drell–Yan experiments have measured the pion valence quark distributions directly, the kaon valence quark distributions have only been deduced from the measurement of the ratio u ¯ K ( x ) / u ¯ π ( x ) . We show that, using no free parameters, our model predicts the decrease of this ratio with increasing x.
Janet's Obsessions and Psychasthenia: a synopsis.

Pierre Janet'sLes Obsessions et la Psychasthenie, Vol. 1 (1903) still stands as the most authoritative work on obsessional and related disorders yet written, but it remains unavailable to an English readership. This article presents an English synopsis of the French original. Janet considers the central problem to be a special mental state which he terms psychasthenia, entailing low psychological tension and an impotence of adaptation to reality. Especially affected are the reality functions of attention, volition, and present-related emotion. Their failure leads through diversion of mental energy to the forced agitations, i.e., mental manias, ruminations, tics, phobias, and anxiety. Obsessions are a late and variable development, when present they symbolize the underlying mental state of incompleteness. The full significance of Janet's contribution may have yet to be established by developments in the neurosciences.
Using Stable Isotopes in Ecology

Fry, Brian. 2006. Stable isotope ecology. Springer, New York. xii + 308 p. + CD-ROM. $69.95, ISBN: 978-0387-30513-4 (acid-free paper).
Rotordynamic modeling using bond graphs: modeling the Jeffcott rotor

Visualizing the complex and counterintuitive phenomenology associated with rotordynamics has been problematic since Rankine first scientifically studied it in the early 1900s. To address this, a simple model capable of allowing visualization of the parameters and problematic aspects associated with an imbalanced rotor (Jeffcott rotor) will be proposed using bond graphs, which provide a structured and unified method for modeling a large class of nonlinear, multienergetic systems. The purpose of this paper is to provide a high-fidelity, experimentally proven bond graph model of the Jeffcott rotor to aid in the design and analysis of high-speed rotational machinery often associated with pulsed energy systems. The intent of the model is the ability to use it as a modular and foundational piece in more complex rotordynamic models.
A universal bird head-holder for stereotaxic surgery.

Abstract A head-holder is described which can accomodate several different size of birds with different beak configurations. The apparatus is basically simple and easily machined.
Illumination Balancing Algorithm for Smart Lights

In this paper, we present two decentralized algorithms that aim to achieve uniform lighting across the floor of an experimental testbed under a variety of challenges, including cross-illumination effects and external light disturbances. These challenges cause over-illuminations in the environment that result in a waste of energy and discomfort to the occupants. First, a decentralized integral control approach that does not have any communication between the lights is developed and applied to the system. Due to its failure in achieving uniform lighting when the cross-illumination effects are maximized, a new decentralized method called the illumination balancing algorithm (IBA) is developed that takes the local light levels into account when adjusting the light voltages. The stability analysis of the IBA for the full height partitions case of the testbed is shown as well as the regulation problem results where the algorithm successfully balances the illuminations and hence achieves uniform lighting. In order to track a desired light level across the zones, the IBA is augmented with an integral control at an arbitrarily selected control loop. This combined algorithm achieved successful control even in a case where the decentralized integral control failed.
An absorption technique for measuring OH concentrations in shock tubes

Spectroscopic technique measuring OH concentrations behind shock waves by measuring absorption of OH lines, using water cooled RF powered lamp
RACE, FATHER‐ABSENCE, AND FEMALE DELINQUENCY

Discussions of the influence of father-absence on delinquency often show special concern/or the relatively high rate of father-absence among black Americans. However, for the four delinquent offenses studied. father-absence had detrimental effects only on whites. especially girls. The only significant effect among black girls was favorable lo the father-absent girls. Further, contrary to Dates on and Scarpitti (1975). parental control has similar effects on delinquency and on the relationship between father-absence and delinquency for blacks and whites. It appears that policies which reduce the stigma of father-absence for white girls are more likely to succeed in reducing delinquency due to father-absence than policies of economic improvement.
Male Sex Hormones, Analogs, and Antagonists

The steroid testosterone is the major circulating sex hormone of the male and serves as the prototype for the androgens, the anabolic agents, and androgen antagonists. The endogenous androgens are biosynthesized from cholesterol in various tissues in the body; the majority of the circulating androgens are made in the testes under the stimulation of the gonadotropin luteinizing hormone (LH). The reduction of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is necessary for the androgenic actions of testosterone in many androgen target tissues such as the prostate; the oxidation of testosterone by the enzyme aromatase produces estrogens. The androgenic actions of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are due to their binding to the androgen receptor, followed by nuclear localization, dimerization of the receptor complex, and binding to a specific DNA sequence. This binding of the homodimer to the androgen response element leads to gene expression, stimulation or repression of the synthesis of new mRNA, and subsequent protein biosynthesis. The synthetic androgens and anabolics were prepared to impart oral activity to the androgen molecule, to separate the androgenic effects of testosterone from its anabolic effects, and to improve upon its biological activities. Novel nonsteroidal androgens, termed selective androgen receptor modulators, were developed to impart agonist activity in selective tissues. Drug preparations are used for the treatment of various androgen-deficient diseases, for the therapy of diseases characterized by muscle wasting and protein catabolism, for postoperative adjuvant therapy, and for the treatment of certain hormone-dependent cancers. The two major categories of androgen antagonists are the antiandrogens, which block interactions of androgens with the androgen receptor, and the inhibitors of androgen biosynthesis and metabolism. Such compounds have therapeutic potential in the treatment of acne, virilization in women, hyperplasia and neoplasia of the prostate, and baldness and male contraception. Keywords: anabolics; androgens; antiandrogens; dihydrotestosterone; 5α-reductase inhibitors; selective androgen receptor modulators; testosterone
CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF LUNG CANCER IN CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AT THE PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD, KITTERY, MAINE

Case-control analysis of deaths due to lung cancer (International Classification of Diseases, Eighth Revision, code 162) among persons who worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, between 1952 and 1977 found elevated odds ratios for exposures to ionizing radiation, asbestos, and welding byproducts. The radiation-related excess was statistically significant in persons with cumulative lifetime exposures of 1.0-4.999 rem. When asbestos and welding histories were combined into a single risk factor, odds ratios for the combined exposure were significantly elevated for two of three duration-of-exposure categories examined. Further analysis of data on radiation exposure, controlling for exposures to asbestos and welding, found reductions in initial estimates of radiation risk at all levels of radiation exposure. This reduction suggests that radiation workers were more heavily exposed to asbestos and/or welding fumes than were other workers and that those exposures confounded the observed association between radiation and lung cancer. Analysis of mortality by time since first exposure to radiation revealed no pattern of progressive increase as latency increased. By contrast, odds ratios for asbestos/welding increased with latency. Data on cigarette smoking and socioeconomic status were not available. The results of this study do not preclude a possible association between radiation exposure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and excess mortality from lung cancer. However, they provide no evidence in support of such a relation.
Signal classification in fading channels using cyclic spectral analysis

Cognitive Radio (CR), a hierarchical Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) model, has been considered as a strong candidate for future communication systems improving spectrum efficiency utilizing unused spectrum of opportunity. However, to ensure the effectiveness of dynamic spectrum access, accurate signal classification in fading channels at low signal to noise ratio is essential. In this paper, a hierarchical cyclostationary-based classifier is proposed to reliably identify the signal type of a wide range of unknown signals. The proposed system assumes no a priori knowledge of critical signal statistics such as carrier frequency, carrier phase, or symbol rate. The system is designed with a multistage approach to minimize the number of samples required to make a classification decision while simultaneously ensuring the greatest reliability in the current and previous stages. The system performance is demonstrated in a variety of multipath fading channels, where several multiantenna-based combining schemes are implemented to exploit spatial diversity.
Constant-Time Loading of Shallow 1-Dimensional Networks

The complexity of learning in shallow 1-Dimensional neural networks has been shown elsewhere to be linear in the size of the network. However, when the network has a huge number of units (as cortex has) even linear time might be unacceptable. Furthermore, the algorithm that was given to achieve this time was based on a single serial processor and was biologically implausible. In this work we consider the more natural parallel model of processing and demonstrate an expected-time complexity that is constant (i.e. independent of the size of the network). This holds even when internode communication channels are short and local, thus adhering to more biological and VLSI constraints.
Recombinant Human Leptin Treatment Does Not Improve Insulin Action in Obese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Leptin therapy improves insulin sensitivity in people with leptin deficiency, but it is not known whether it improves insulin action in people who are not leptin deficient. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether leptin treatment has weight loss–independent effects on insulin action in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in obese subjects (BMI: 35.4 ± 0.6 kg/m 2 ; mean ± SE) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Subjects were randomized to treatment with placebo (saline), low-dose (30 mg/day), or high-dose (80 mg/day) recombinant methionyl human (r-Met hu) leptin for 14 days. Multiorgan insulin sensitivity before and after treatment was evaluated by using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure in conjunction with stable isotopically labeled tracer infusions to measure glucose, glycerol, and fatty acid kinetics. RESULTS Low-dose and high-dose leptin treatment resulted in a threefold ( P P CONCLUSIONS r-Met hu leptin does not have weight loss–independent, clinically important effects on insulin sensitivity in obese people with type 2 diabetes.
A note on the Banach-Mazur problem

We prove that if X is a real Banach space, with dim X\ge 3 , which contains subspace of codimension 1 which is 1-complemented in X and whose group of isometries is almost transitive then X is isometric to a Hilbert space. This partially answers the Banach-Mazur rotation problem and generalizes some recent related results.
Single Entity Ruling: 'Needle' in Haystack

This article provides the legal argument why the Seventh Circuit was wrong to classify the National Football League ("NFL") as a single entity under antitrust law for the purposes of trademark licensing. This article is best read along with my longer, economics-driven piece, "Why the Single Entity' Defense Can Never Apply to NFL Clubs," which appeared in Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal, Vol. 18, No. 4, 2008.
Epstein-Barr and Other Herpesvirus Infections in Patients With Early Onset Type 1 Diabetes Treated With Daclizumab and Mycophenolate Mofetil

(See the Editorial Commentary by Kumar and Humar, on pages 255–7.) The use of immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases is rapidly increasing. This approach is widely utilized for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease, but it is only in the experimental stage for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). The efficacy of cyclosporine A, anti-CD3, and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies to prevent, halt, or slow progression of T1D have been investigated [1–3]. Although these interventions have not achieved a long-lasting therapeutic effect, they have shown temporary preservation of pancreatic β-cell function. Accordingly, there are ongoing efforts to evaluate additional agents in order to identify regimens that might result in long-lasting benefits. In this light, we recently completed a prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with or without daclizumab (DZB) as treatment for new-onset T1D [4]. The use of immunosuppressive agents raises concerns for potential infectious complications [5–7]. A particular focus of this concern is the impact on herpesviral infections. The Herpesviridae family is characterized by life-long infection through the establishment of latency. Notorious pathogens are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2), and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Infection due to these viruses (primary or reactivation/reinfection) has been associated with increased morbidity and potentially mortality in immunosuppressed patients [8–18]. EBV infection in particular has been associated with the development of lymphoproliferative disease including lymphoma [6, 12, 19–25]. Accordingly, monitoring acquisition and reactivation of herpesviruses provides important safety data when evaluating potential immunosuppressive regimens. This report reviews results of prospective serologic, virologic, and clinical monitoring for infection and disease due to herpesvirus infections in patients with new-onset T1D participating in a trial of MMF and DZB [4].
FlyGEM, a full transcriptome array platform for the Drosophila community

We have constructed a DNA microarray to monitor expression of predicted genes in Drosophila. By using homotypic hybridizations, we show that the array performs reproducibly, that dye effects are minimal, and that array results agree with systematic northern blotting. The array gene list has been extensively annotated and linked-out to other databases. Incyte and the NIH have made the platform available to the community via academic microarray facilities selected by an NIH committee.
Response to: Combined treatment of intravitreal bevacizumab and intravitreal triamcinolone in patients with retinal vein occlusion by Schroff et al.

Dear Editor, We thank the authors for their interest in our study. We agree that combined treatment with triamcinolone could reduce the number of recurrent treatments with bevacizumab. However, the combination treatment did not seem to change the visual acuity outcome compared to previously published reports with bevacizumab monotherapy. The reduced number of re-injections with the combined treatment need to be weighed against the side-effects after triamcinolone injections, including increased intraocular pressure, cataract, and possible increased risk of endophthalmitis and sterile inflammation. Looking back at the data, we did not find any difference in the response of previously treated patients compared to treatment-naive eyes, although our study is limited by the small number of patients and relatively short follow-up period. A larger randomized controlled study involving combination therapy is warranted.
Case effects in letter-name matching: A qualitative visual field difference

Subjects indicated whether or not two letters presented simultaneously to the left or right visual field had the same name. On same-name trials, reaction time was faster when both letters had the same case (physically identical, or PI, pairs) than when they were of different case (name identical, or NI, pairs) and reaction time was faster for left visual field presentations than for right visual field presentations. For left visual field presentations, the letter-case effect was as large on different-name trials as on same-name trials, indicating that the NI-PI difference was not simply a physical identity effect. In contrast, for right visual field presentations, the letter-case effect was restricted to same-name trials. These qualitatively different patterns for the two visual fields are discussed in terms of hypothesized consequences of cerebral hemisphere asymmetry for information processing in the normal brain.
Accurate Modeling of the Intrinsic Brillouin Linewidth via Finite-Element Analysis

We present a finite-element analysis of the Brillouin gain spectrum of a highly Ge-doped azimuthally symmetric nonuniform fiber treating the heterogeneous viscosity profile in detail. Measured Stokes' frequencies and spectral widths for the acoustic modes, and the peak Brillouin gain coefficient are found to be in excellent agreement with the model. An approximate expression for the Brillouin spectral width in azimuthally symmetric, nonuniform fibers is presented and verified for estimating this quantity using simplified boundary-value models.
Role of intrinsic airway neurons in ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in ferret trachea

Exposure to ozone (O3) enhances airway responsiveness, which is mediated partly by the release of substance P (SP) from airway neurons. In this study, the role of intrinsic airway neurons in O3-ind...
Combined heat and controlled atmosphere quarantine treatments for control of western cherry fruit fly in sweet cherries

Nonchemical quarantine treatments, using a combination of short duration high temperatures under low oxygen, elevated carbon dioxide atmospheric environment were developed to control western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, in sweet cherries, Prunus avium (L.). The two treatments developed use a chamber temperature of 45°C for 45 min and a chamber temperature of 47°C for 25 min, both under a 1% oxygen, 15% carbon dioxide, −2°C dew point environment. Both these treatments have been shown to provide control of all life stages of western cherry fruit fly while preserving commodity market quality. There was no definitive egg or larval stage, which was demonstrated to be the most tolerant to either controlled atmosphere temperature treatment system treatment. Efficacy tests for both treatments resulted in 100% mortality of >5,000 western cherry fruit flies in each treatment. These treatments may provide, with further study, quarantine security in exported sweet cherries where western cherry fruit fly is a quarantine concern and fumigation with methyl bromide is not desired.
Effect of diltiazem on altered cellular calcium regulation during endotoxic shock

Cellular free and exchangeable Ca2+ were quantitated in livers of rats injected with saline (control), Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin (20 mg/kg), or diltiazem (0.8-1.2 mg/kg) plus the endotoxin (20 mg/kg). Injection of endotoxin alone resulted in signs of endotoxic shock in animals 5 h later. All rats were killed 5 h postinjection, and their livers were excised. Hepatocytes were prepared for the measurement of cytosolic [Ca2+] under basal and hormone-stimulated (1 and 10 microM epinephrine) conditions by means of quin 2 fluorescence technique. Liver slices were labeled with 45Ca, and the radioactivity was washed out to determine cellular exchangeable Ca2+. The apparent basal level of cytosolic Ca2+ in endotoxic rat hepatocytes [525 +/- 92 (SE) nM] was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher than in controls (146 +/- 23). A significant increase in the basal [Ca2+] occurred after stimulation with epinephrine in controls but not in endotoxic rat hepatocytes. In the endotoxic rats receiving diltiazem, basal [Ca2+] was significantly lower than in rats given endotoxin alone, and a significant elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] with epinephrine also occurred. The cellular exchangeable Ca2+ in endotoxic rats (564 +/- 27 nmol/g) was significantly higher than in controls (427 +/- 23). Diltiazem treatment of endotoxic rats restored the exchangeable Ca2+ level to that found in controls. The endotoxic accumulation of cellular Ca2+ and its restoration toward control levels by diltiazem could be due to catecholamine-mediated Ca2+ influx and its blockade by diltiazem.
Hyposmolality stimulates Na+/H+ exchange and HCO3 − absorption in thick ascending limb via PI 3-kinase

The signal transduction mechanisms that mediate osmotic regulation of Na+/H+ exchange are not understood. Recently we demonstrated that hyposmolality increases HCO3 − absorption in the renal medull...
Electronic Effects At Interfaces In Cu (cr, mo, w, ta, re) Multilayers

Interfacial electronic effects between Cu and the transition metals Cr, Mo, W, Ta, Re, are investigated by determining the strength of the white line absorption resonances on the L,,, edges of Cu in Cu{sub 5}/TM{sub 5} multilayers. X-ray absorption (XAS) was performed to study the white lines, which are directly related to the unoccupied states of Cu in the multilayers. The metallic multilayers are 2 mn in period and 200 mn in total thickness. Each period contains 5 monolayers of Cu and 5 monolayers of the transition metal: 40% of the atoms are at interfaces. These material pairs form ideal structures for the investigation of interfacial electronic effects as they form no compounds and exhibit terminal solid solubility. Only weak white lines are observed on the L3,2 edges of Cu since all the d-orbitals are filled. In the Cu/TM multilayers, however, we observed enhancement of the Cu white lines. We attribute this to the charge transfer from the `interfacial Cu atoms` d-orbital to the transition metal layers. Analysis of the white line enhancement enables calculation of the charge transfer from the Cu to the transition metal. Cu shows a charge transfer of about 0.03 electrons/interfacial Cu atom in Cu/Cr, 0.064 in Cu/Mo, 2048 0.35 in Cu/Ta, 0.17 in Cu/W , and 0.23 in Cu/Re. This charge transfer is consistent with the enhanced absorption energy of Cu on these materials as observed in thermal desorption experiments.
New and improved medical test costs just one cent: commentary on an article by Kathleen E. McKeon, MD, et al.: "Ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb. Phalangeal translation during valgus stress in human cadavera".

Evaluating a scientific paper often starts with an assessment of the manuscript’s technical construction and the project design; these elements often characterize the reader’s “first impression.” From this perspective, the article by McKeon et al. makes a good first impression. In this cadaver dissection study, stability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint is assessed after progressive release of the proper and accessory collateral ligaments. The authors identify radiographic parameters that correlate with metacarpophalangeal joint instability, noting in particular that radial translation of the proximal phalanx relative to the thumb metacarpal head correlates with disruption of both collateral ligament structures. This paper is easy to read, and the technical details of the experimental environment and anatomic dissection are detailed and clear. The radiographic reproductions, which are especially critical to the presentation of the data, are well prepared and simple to understand. The authors wrote a good Discussion section in which they properly frame the practical considerations related to a reliable radiographic finding that correlates with complete ulnar collateral ligament disruption. Furthermore, this project is important because ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb are very …
Site-Specific Quantification of Surface N-Glycoproteins in Statin-Treated Liver Cells

The frequent modification of cell-surface proteins by N-linked glycans is known to be correlated with many biological processes. Aberrant glycosylation on surface proteins is associated with different cellular statuses and disease progression. However, it is extraordinarily challenging to comprehensively and site-specifically analyze glycoproteins located only on the cell surface. Currently mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics provides the possibility to analyze the N-glycoproteome, but effective separation and enrichment methods are required for the analysis of surface glycoproteins prior to MS measurement. The introduction of bio-orthogonal groups into proteins accelerates research in the robust visualization, identification, and quantification of proteins. Here we have comprehensively evaluated different sugar analogs in the analysis of cell-surface N-glycoproteins by combining copper-free click chemistry and MS-based proteomics. Comparison of three sugar analogs, N-azidoacetylgalactosamine (GalNAz)...
Biosynthesis of the cerebroside odd-numbered fatty acids

Rats were injected with radioactive acetate or propionate and, after four days, the saturated fatty acids were isolated from the brains and the brain cerebrosides. The amounts and specific activities of the individual normal and hydroxy acids were determined. In the rats given propionate, the odd-numbered acids (15:0 to 25:0) had much higher specific activities. In the rats given acetate, the differences were much smaller, with the even-numbered acids (16:0 to 26:0) showing higher specific activities. These data are consistent with earlier work, which indicated that the odd-numbered acids of other organs are derived from propionate and acetate. Comparison of the very long odd-numbered cerebroside acids with the more common ones (15:0 and 17:0) indicated that these are made by a similar synthetic route. Improved techniques are described for the isolation of the fatty acids. Comparison of the cerebroside acids and total brain fatty acids showed that most of the hydroxy acids are present in the cerebrosides. Hydroxystearic acid is a minor component of the hydroxy acid fraction; most of it is not in the cerebrosides. Degradation of the unsaturated acids from cerebrosides of rats given labeled propionate showed that propionate is a specific precursor of these acids also.
Abstract IA02: Immune checkpoint blockade in cancer therapy: New insights and opportunities, and prospects for cures

The existence of multiple non-redundant inhibitory pathways that limit T cell responses offers novel strategies for mobilizing the immune system to attack cancer cells. The best characterized of these immune checkpoints is CTLA-4, which inhibits T cell proliferation by interfering with the interaction of the costimulatory molecule CD28 with its ligands B7-1 and B7-2 on the surface of antigen presenting cells. Antibodies to CTLA-4 have proven effective against multiple tumor types in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. Ipilimumab, an antibody to human CTLA-4, showed long term (>4 years) survival benefit in about 20% of patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in late stage melanoma. In 2011 it was approved by the FDA for treatment of late stage melanoma and is now a standard of care for that disease. The mechanism(s) of action of anti-CTLA-4 are still being elucidated. We and others have shown that CLTA-4 limits T cell proliferation by a cell intrinsic mechanism. However, there is also evidence that anti-CTLA-4 has to engage the target on both effector (Teff) and regulatory (Treg) T cells. Thus anti-CTLA-4 exerts its anti-tumor effects by multiple mechanisms. PD-1, another checkpoint, recruits a phosphatase and seems to interfere with T cell antigen receptor mediated signaling. It has two ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are both expressed on dendritic cells. However, many tumor cells also express PD-L1. Antibodies to PD-1 and PD-L1 have both shown objective responses against several tumor types in clinical trials with response rates of about 25%. A recent phase II trial of a combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 in melanoma showed objective responses in about 50% of late stage melanoma patients. Emerging data suggest that T cell responses are largely directed toward neoantigens arising as a result of mutational events associated with the carcinogenesis. While all tumors with antigens recognizable by the immune system should be targets for checkpoint blockade, it is becoming clear that certain types of tumors with lower burdens of mutations (eg. prostate, breast, and kidney cancer) present special challenges for immune therapy. Strategies for effective treatment of such tumors will be discussed. Citation Format: James P. Allison. Immune checkpoint blockade in cancer therapy: New insights, opportunities, and prospects for cures. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2015 Oct 23-26; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA01.
Nuclear localization of bacterial Streptoalloteichus hindustanus bleomycin resistance protein in mammalian cells

Prokaryotes produce a variety of toxins that affect genomic function of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The 375-base pair bacterial gene Streptoalloteichus hindustanus (Sh) ble encodes a small protein, Streptoalloteichus hindustanus bleomycin resistance protein (BRP), that inhibits in vitro DNA cleavage by the prokaryotic glycopeptide bleomycin, which is a clinically used anticancer drug. NIH/3T3 cells infected with a retroviral vector containing Sh ble (SH-9 cells) were highly resistant to the cytotoxicity of bleomycin-like drugs but not to the cytotoxicity of other, structurally unrelated, DNA-cleaving agents. Expression of BRP did not markedly alter total cellular content or distribution of bleomycin-like compounds. Fluorescently labeled bleomycin was primarily localized in cytoplasmic vesicles in NIH/3T3 and SH-9 cells, whereas BRP, which has no established nuclear localization sequence, was segregated to the nucleus and more specifically to euchromatin. This karyophilic BRP may intercept bleomycin in the nucleus.
Routes to Chaos in Ferromagnetic Resonance and the Return Trip: Controlling and Synchronizing Chaos

Magnetism in general and the magnetic garnets in particular have contributed significantly to our understanding of microscopic and macroscopic magnetic interactions in nature. Magnetic resonance is one of the magnetic phenomenon that bridges the gap between linear and non-linear dynamics, providing a non-linear system that is simple enough to understand and yet complex enough to exhibit interesting dynamics.
Eustachian Tube Dilation via a Transtympanic Approach in 6 Cadaver Heads A Feasibility Study

The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic transtympanic balloon dilation of the cartilaginous eustachian tube. To accomplish this, transtympanic balloon dilation of the cartilaginous eustachian tube was performed on 11 eustachian tubes (6 cadaver heads). The balloon catheter was introduced and passed through the protympanic orifice of the eustachian tube transtympanically under endoscopic view and cannulated without incident in all cadavers. Computed tomography was then performed postprocedure to evaluate for inadvertent dilation of the bony eustachian tube, adverse placement of the balloon, or any bony fractures. The balloon was seen to be successfully inflated in the cartilaginous portion without damage to surrounding structures in all cases. This demonstrates that under endoscopic guidance, the protympanic orifice of the eustachian tube can be feasibly cannulated and reliably traversed, allowing for targeted dilation of the cartilaginous eustachian tube from a transtympanic approach.
Establishment of classical biological control targeting emerald ash borer is facilitated by use of insecticides, with little effect on native arthropod communities

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is rapidly invading North America and has inflicted extensive ash, Fraxinus spp., mortality in affected areas, altering composition and structure of wildland and urban forests. Insecticides can effectively protect ash on a small scale and classical biological control efforts have been implemented. In the U.S. emerald ash borer kills native ash so quickly, and populations are so mobile, that establishing an effective biological control program is challenging. Consequently, we assessed the compatibility of using reduced rates of the insecticide imidacloprid applied as a soil drench coupled with releases of three species of parasitic wasps. In this way we hope to slow the process of ash decline and prolong the window of opportunity to allow biological control agents to become established. We compared the efficacy and effects of i) full strength imidacloprid applications, ii) reduced rates of imidacloprid coupled with classical biological control, iii) classical biological control alone, and iv) untreated controls. We monitored emerald ash borer adult activity through trapping and destructive sampling for larvae, evaluated larval parasitization rates, and also assessed the native hymenopteran communities. Chemical treatments were not adequate to prevent ash canopy decline, but they also did not impede parasitization of emerald ash borer eggs or larvae. Two of the three classical biological control agents, Oobius agrili and Tetrastichus planipennisi, were recovered from trees treated with imidacloprid, demonstrating that they were successfully reproducing and indicating the compatibility of the two management strategies. Non-target hymenopterans appeared unaffected by the insecticide applications. Importantly we found no negative effects of the imidacloprid applications on native pollinators. Collectively these data suggest that judicious use of insecticides coupled with classical biological control may be an effective and potentially sustainable approach to managing invading populations of emerald ash borer.
Temperature dependence of the tensile properties of ARALL-4 laminates

High-temperature ARALL®-4 laminates have been tested in tension at temperatures ranging from −65° F (−54°C) to 400° F (204°C) and at room temperature after exposure. No significant degradation of tensile strength and modulus was found at temperatures up to 350° F (177°C) for either the longitudinal or transverse direction tests at room temperature after 1, 10, and 100 h exposure to temperature. However, the tensile strength and modulus determined from tests at the cryogenic and elevated temperatures after exposure showed a slight tendency to decrease with increasing temperature. The tensile strengths of ARALL®-4 laminates in the longitudinal direction are also shown to be significantly superior to the strengths for monolithic aluminium alloy 2024-T81 sheet. However, the strengths of the laminates in the transverse direction are inferior to those for 2024-T81 sheet. Scanning electron microscopic photomicrographs of the longitudinal specimen in the aramid/epoxy layer show fibre pull-out/fibrillation and interface-matrix shear failure are the two typical failure modes. The aluminium alloy layer greatly prevents multiple global longitudinal splitting. In the aramid/epoxy layer of the transverse specimen at 75° F (24° C), the failure mode consists of fibre and matrix separation at the interface and fibre splitting. In the high-temperature range, fibre-matrix interface debonding is dominant.
Highly cross-linked polyether-based 1,2,3-triazolium ion conducting membranes with enhanced gas separation properties

Abstract A series of cross-linked polyether-based 1,2,3-triazolium ion conducting membranes are prepared via the combination of thermally promoted Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a dialkyne and a diazide poly(trimethylene ether glycol) monomers with in-situ N-alkylation of the resulting poly(1,2,3-triazole)s with varying contents of 1,10-diiododecane as cross-linking agent. The resulting free-standing membranes have Tgs below −60 °C, Tds up to 230 °C, and Young’s modulus up to 4.2 MPa. The overall combined reaction kinetics were studied by DSC yielding an activation energy of 76 kJ/mol by the Kissinger method. These ion conducting membranes have conductivities up to 10−6 S/cm at 30 °C under anhydrous conditions. They have potential to be used in CO2 separation applications as they exhibit CO2 permeability of 59–110 Barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 25–48.
Joint conditional and steady-state probability densities of weight deviations for proportionate-type LMS algorithms

In this paper, the conditional probability density function of the current weight deviations given the preceding weight deviations is generated for a wide array of proportionate type least mean square algorithms. Additionally, the application of using the conditional probability density function to calculate the steady-state joint conditional probability density function is examined along with several examples showing the feasibility of the approach. In the process of calculating the steady-state joint conditional probability density function a proof showing that the weight deviation vectors form a Markov chain is presented.
Survey of vaccination knowledge and acceptance among adults admitted to an urban emergency department

Abstract Background Adult vaccination rates in the United States have fallen below national target levels and may be exacerbated by lack of access to a primary care physician. We assessed patient knowledge of and attitudes towards vaccines in an urban emergency department population and analyzed the feasibility of using this setting as a vaccine delivery site from a patient perspective. Methods In-person interviewers administered surveys to 250 adult patients presenting to the Detroit Receiving Hospital emergency department in Detroit, Michigan. Respondents were asked about vaccination status, preferences, and willingness to accept vaccination reminders via text messaging. Odds ratios and 95% Wald confidence intervals assessing differences between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals were generated with univariate logistic regression. Results Vaccinated adults were more likely to have a primary care provider than non-vaccinated adults (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.09–3.45). Non-vaccinated adults were significantly more likely to have unvaccinated adult relatives (OR8.64, 95% CI: 4.10–18.22). Nearly all respondents used a cell phone, and 75.8% of unvaccinated adults were willing to receive text messages reminders about vaccines. Conclusions Although less likely to have a primary care access point than vaccinated participants, non-vaccinated respondents reported interest in receiving vaccinations. Emergency departments could serve as vaccination hubs for patients and unvaccinated accompanying family members. Text message reminders offer a potential source of additional vaccine prompts and education.