cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain Tumor Microenvironment and Angiogenesis in Melanoma Brain Metastases

Background High tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and hemorrhage are important prognostic factors in patients who have undergone craniotomy for melanoma brain metastases (MBM) before 2011 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). We have investigated the prognostic or predictive role of these histopathologic factors in a more contemporary craniotomy cohort from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). We have also sought to understand better how various immune cell subsets, angiogenic factors, and blood vessels may be associated with clinical and radiographic features in MBM. Methods Brain tumors from the UPMC and UNC-CH patient cohorts were (re)analyzed by standard histopathology, tumor tissue imaging, and gene expression profiling. Variables were associated with overall survival (OS) and radiographic features. Results The patient subgroup with high TILs in craniotomy specimens and subsequent treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs, n=7) trended to have longer OS compared to the subgroup with high TILs and no treatment with ICIs (n=11, p=0.059). Bleeding was significantly associated with tumor volume before craniotomy, high melanoma-specific expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and high density of CD31+αSMA- blood vessels. Brain tumors with high versus low peritumoral edema before craniotomy had low (17%) versus high (41%) incidence of brisk TILs. Melanoma-specific expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was comparable to VEGF expression by TILs and was not associated with any particular prognostic, radiographic, or histopathologic features. A gene signature associated with gamma delta (gd) T cells was significantly higher in intracranial than same-patient extracranial metastases and primary melanoma. However, gdT cell density in MBM was not prognostic. Conclusions ICIs may provide greater clinical benefit in patients with brisk TILs in MBM. Intratumoral hemorrhage in brain metastases, a significant clinical problem, is not merely associated with tumor volume but also with underlying biology. bFGF may be an essential pathway to target. VEGF, a factor principally associated with peritumoral edema, is not only produced by melanoma cells but also by TILs. Therefore, suppressing low-grade peritumoral edema using corticosteroids may harm TIL function in 41% of cases. Ongoing clinical trials targeting VEGF in MBM may predict a lack of unfavorable impacts on TIL density and/or intratumoral hemorrhage.
A Comparative Study of Treatment Adherence Among In-Center Hemodialysis Patients Based on Years on Dialysis and Demographic Factors

Shortened or missed dialysis treatments are directly associated with increased hospitalization and mortality rates among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The purpose of this study was to in...
Racial and ethnic disparities in HIV diagnoses among heterosexually active persons in the United States nationally and by state, 2018.

Background Despite declining HIV infection rates, persistent racial and ethnic disparities remain. Appropriate calculations of diagnosis rates by HIV transmission category, race and ethnicity, and geography are needed to monitor progress towards reducing systematic disparities in health outcomes. We estimated the number of heterosexually active adults (HAAs) by sex and state to calculate appropriate HIV diagnosis rates and disparity measures within subnational regions. Methods The analysis included all HIV diagnoses attributed to heterosexual transmission in 2018 in the United States, in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Logistic regression models estimated the probability of past-year heterosexual activity among adults in three national health surveys, by sex, age group, race and ethnicity, education category, and marital status. Model-based probabilities were applied to estimated counts of HAAs by state, which were synthesized through meta-analysis. HIV diagnoses were overlaid to calculate racial- and ethnic-specific rates, rate differences (RDs), and rate ratios (RRs) among HAAs by sex and state. Results Nationally, HAA women have a two-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate than HAA men (rate per 100,000 HAAs, women: 6.57; men: 3.09). Compared to White non-Hispanic HAAs, Black HAAs have a 20-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate (RR, men: 21.28, women: 19.55; RD, men: 15.40, women: 31.78) and Hispanic HAAs have a 4-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate (RR, men: 4.68, RD, women: 4.15; RD, men: 2.79, RD, women: 5.39). Disparities were ubiquitous across regions, with >75% of states in each region having Black-to-White RR ≥10. Conclusion The racial and ethnic disparities across regions suggests a system-wide failure particularly with respect to preventing HIV among Black and Hispanic women. Pervasive disparities emphasize the role for coordinated federal responses such as the current Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative.
Solid-Density Ion Temperature from Redshifted and Double-Peaked Stark Line Shapes.

$\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{\beta}$ spectral line shapes are important for diagnosing temperature and density in many dense plasmas. This work presents $\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{\beta}$ line shapes measured with high spectral resolution from solid-density plasmas with minimized gradients. The line shapes show hallmark features of Stark broadening, including quantifiable redshifts and double-peaked structure with a significant dip between the peaks; these features are compared to models through a Markov chain Monte Carlo framework. Line shape theory using the dipole approximation can fit the width and peak separation of measured line shapes, but it cannot resolve an ambiguity between electron density ${n}_{e}$ and ion temperature ${T}_{i}$, since both parameters influence the strength of quasistatic ion microfields. Here a line shape model employing a full Coulomb interaction for the electron broadening computes self-consistent line widths and redshifts through the monopole term; redshifts have different dependence on plasma parameters and thus resolve the ${n}_{e}\ensuremath{-}{T}_{i}$ ambiguity. The measured line shapes indicate densities that are 80--100% of solid, identifying a regime of highly ionized but well-tamped plasma. This analysis also provides the first strong evidence that dense ions and electrons are not in thermal equilibrium, despite equilibration times much shorter than the duration of x-ray emission; cooler ions may arise from nonclassical thermalization rates or anomalous energy transport. The experimental platform and diagnostic technique constitute a promising new approach for studying ion-electron equilibration in dense plasmas.
Robotically Assisted Radical Cystectomy

Robotically assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is an exciting application of the robotic surgical platform whose role in future surgery is still being determined. Open radical cystectomy (ORC) as currently practiced is an effective although underutilized and significantly morbid procedure, with complication rates exceeding 60 % when strictly reported. Many different outcomes have been reported regarding potential benefits and costs with the robotically assisted approach, but at this point two factors have been consistently shown: blood loss is lower, and OR times are longer for RARC as compared to ORC. In some centers, outcomes and length of stay appear to favor the robotic approach, but in other centers of excellence, no benefit has been demonstrated when compared with well-executed, high-volume open cystectomy. That said, we are aware of no recent series that shows RARC to result in inferior oncologic or quality-associated outcomes such as length of stay or complication rate when compared to ORC. Costs are largely associated with avoidance of complications; as familiarity grows and technique is refined, the benefits of lower blood loss and decreased fluid shifts may ultimately result in measurably better outcomes and lower overall cost.
Lagrangian Tracer Transport and Dispersion in Shallow Tidal Inlets & River Mouths

Abstract : Long-term objectives are developing and field testing numerical models of shallow water breaking waves and wave-driven processes including mixing, currents, and transport and dispersion of tracers. Calibrated models will provide improved prediction of the fate of tracers (e.g. pollution, fine sediment, chemicals) in very shallow water. Objectives during the past year included continued analysis of existing data sets, and extending our existing field capability in preparation for participation in the tidal inlet/river mouth DRI.
Responsibility, and the Question, “What is Christianity?”: The Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity

Gary A. Phillips introduces the purpose of the Cambidge Dictionary of Christianity Panel at AAR. Phillips poses the question “What is Christianity?,” which remains for each generation to answer out of its available resources. The volume offers one way to pose and to answer the question. It solicits from its readers and discussants the hard labor of open dialogue that discerns connections that don’t ensnare, that illumine without consuming, that feed the spirit.
Importance of Airway Management in Burn and Smoke Inhalation-induced Acute Lung Injury

One of the detrimental complications of burns is the onset of acute lung injury (ALI). In patients with extensive cutaneous burns in which the burned area exceeds 30% of the total body surface area, capillary hyperpermeability occurs not only at the injured site but also in regions distant from the initial insult [1, 2]. The vascular hyperpermeability leads to a large amount of fluid flux from the circulating plasma to the interstitial spaces. This lung edema formation is even more severe when the thermal injury is associated with smoke inhalation eventually leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [3]. Previously, we designed an ovine model of combined burn and smoke inhalation injury and described the patho-physiology of ALI [3]. The ALI in combined burn and smoke inhalation injury is characterized by severe deterioration of pulmonary gas exchange (decrease in PaO2/FiO2, and increase in pulmonary shunt fraction), pulmonary microvascular leakage with subsequent formation of interstitial edema which is evidenced by increased pulmonary transvascular fluid flux (increased lung lymph flow), increased lung water content (lung wet-to-dry weight ratio), and increased pulmonary vascular permeability to both fluid and protein. These pathological changes are associated with severe pulmonary hypertension, massive airway obstruction by obstructive cast material, and increased ventilatory (peak and pause airway) pressures. In previous studies, we have also evaluated factors that play a crucial role in patho-genesis of ALI. There are several pathogenic factors, which affect the pulmonary function.
Kinetic Disordering of Intermetallic Compounds Through First- and Second-Order Transitions by Rapid Solidification

During rapid solidification of intermetallic compounds, the atoms may not have time to find the lowest-energy sites in the crystal, resulting in the growth of a solid with partially or completely suppressed chemical order. A kinetic model has been developed for “disorder trapping” during rapid solidification, which predicts the long range order parameter, composition and temperature at the interface of a chemically ordered phase as functions of interface velocity and liquid composition. The model predicts that as the solidification velocity increases, the long range order parameter decreases. Beyond a critical velocity the order parameter is zero. The predicted transition to solidification of a disordered solid is discontinuous for thermodynamically first-order cases, and continuous for thermodynamically second-order cases.
Injection-Controlled Titanium-Doped Sapphire Laser Using a Pulsed Dye Laser

Titanium-doped sapphire (Ti:sapphire) lasers have been extensively studied since their recent introduction [1–3]. Because of their wide tuning range (≈700 to 1000 nm), Ti:sapphire lasers are candidates for remote lidar measurements of H2O vapor (≈720 and 940 nm) and pressure and temperature (≈760 nm). These measurements require efficient narrow bandwidth operation and accurate wavelength control.
Chapter 10 Precipitation in Tropical Cyclones

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses study for analysis of precipitation in tropical cyclones. The use of satellite data to estimate precipitation under tropical-cyclone conditions has been fairly limited. Seasat, while in operation, made measurements over a number of Pacific tropical cyclones. The Griffith-Woodley rain estimation technique was used to derive rain rates from the Seasat VIRR, thermal IR data for selected passes over three storms. Prior to this application, the rain estimation technique was derived and applied using GOES data only. It was anticipated that the principal differences between the GOES and Seasat imaging sensors would minimally affect the rain estimates and a test was made to verify this conjecture. In this chapter, the technique, limitations, and results for rain rate estimation from the VIRR are discussed. A comparison of area- and time-averaged rainfalls estimated by satellite and ground data is illustrated. Pertinent statistics for the rainfall calculations are also compiled. A correlation of the Fico rain rates inferred from Seasat Rev 280 and from Seasat Rev 251 is estimated. It is demonstrated that rain rates of tropical storms and cyclones can be derived from Seasat VIRR data. Several courses for future research are also suggested.
Teachers' Generalized Expectations of Children of Divorce:

This study examined teachers' generalized expectations for children living with their divorced vs married mothers. Teachers held significantly more negative expectations on 14 expectancy variables for children living with divorced mothers than for children living in traditional two-parent families. Teachers also had more negative expectations for boys living with divorced mothers than for girls from the same family setting, but there were no differences between teachers' expectations of boys and girls from traditional two-parent families. Results are discussed with respect to teachers' generalized expectations possibly becoming self-fulfilling prophecies.
Phosphate transport and its relationship to cation movements in Ehrlich Lettré ascites tumor cells.

Abstract In view of the importance of Pi in the control of cell metabolism, it was of interest to study the mechanism and regulation of Pi uptake by ascites tumor cells. For this purpose, the incorporation of 32Pi into Ehrlich Lettre cells was compared when competitive anions and inhibitors which alter cation movements were present. Anions such as sulfanilate (35 m m ) and succinate (30 m m ) decrease 32Pi uptake by ca. 35%, suggesting that transport is mediated by a protein similar to the 100,000 Mr anion carrier isolated from erythrocyte membranes. Furosemide, a diuretic which bears a structural analogy to sulfanilate inhibitors of anion transport, also decreases 32Pi incorporation at concentrations as low as 2 × 10−5 m . This inhibitor blocks cation exchange in ascites tumor cells, and from the present data, it is suggested that a possible function of the furosemidesensitive cation exchange protein is to facilitate anion transport. Ouabain, known to inhibit (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and its dephosphorylation, stimulates the rate of incorporation of 32Pi into cells and also raises the net inorganic phosphate level. The stimulation of 32Pi incorporation is decreased by sulfanilate or succinate. In contrast to the effects of ouabain, addition of 10 m m K+, which is known to stimulate (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and its dephosphorylation, decreases 32Pi incorporation. These observations suggest that anion transport and energy-dependent Na+ and K+ movements may be closely coupled to the intact cell.
Forecasting and mediation: Colorado and the clean air act

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of discussions designed to resolve technical differences, a process known as data mediation, between originators of divergent forecasts. Differing forecasts of future urban air quality by several agencies led to debate over revisions to the 1977 Clean Air Act proposed during the 97th Congress. Researchers for General Motors, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the State of Colorado disagreed over the ability of Denver, Colorado ever to attain the health standards for carbon monoxide if automobile emission for high altitude were relaxed. Data mediation led to resolution of some differences. The search for disconfirming evidence was a key element of the successful data mediation. In examining the process of that mediation, it was found that the search for disconfirming evidence requires: (1) balance of scientific expertise and credibility; (2) explicitness of assumptions; and (3) segmenting and bounding of the problem.
Relationship between productive HIV-1 infection of macrophages and CCR5 utilization.

HIV-1 isolates exhibit specificity for infection of immortalized T-cell lines and macrophages. The distinct cellular tropisms have been attributed to expression of coreceptors CXCR4 or CCR5, respectively. However, it is unclear whether or not other tissue-specific determinants regulate entry. The current study uses a panel of viruses to analyze the relationship between CCR5 utilization and macrophage infection. Only chimeric viruses with the entire V3 loop from macrophage-tropic isolates, ADA or SF162, were able to infect macrophages. In contrast, chimeric viruses with smaller portions of the ADA V3 loop or the V3 loop of SF2, sufficient to allow CCR5 use, were insufficient for macrophage infection. PCR analysis showed that the defect in macrophage infection of the latter viruses was due to a defect in entry. Moreover, strains capable of infecting macrophages showed relative resistance to neutralization by anti-CCR5 antibody, 2D7, compared to strains which utilize CCR5 but are incapable of macrophage infection.
Essential arginyl residues in yeast enolase

Abstract Yeast enolase is rapidly inactivated by butanedione in borate buffer, complete inactivation correlating with the modification of 1. 8 arginyl residues per subunit. Protection against inactivation is provided by either an equilibrium mixture of substrates or inorganic phosphate, a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. Complete protection by substrates correlates with the shielding of 1. 3 arginyl residues per subunit, while phosphate protects 1. 0 arginyl residue per subunit from modification.
Physiologically-based modeling of sleep–wake regulatory networks

Abstract Mathematical modeling has played a significant role in building our understanding of sleep–wake and circadian behavior. Over the past 40 years, phenomenological models, including the two-process model and oscillator models, helped frame experimental results and guide progress in understanding the interaction of homeostatic and circadian influences on sleep and understanding the generation of rapid eye movement sleep cycling. Recent advances in the clarification of the neural anatomy and physiology involved in the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms have motivated the development of more detailed and physiologically-based mathematical models that extend the approach introduced by the classical reciprocal-interaction model. Using mathematical formalisms developed in the field of computational neuroscience to model neuronal population activity, these models investigate the dynamics of proposed conceptual models of sleep–wake regulatory networks with a focus on generating appropriate sleep and wake state transition patterns as well as simulating disease states and experimental protocols. In this review, we discuss several recent physiologically-based mathematical models of sleep–wake regulatory networks. We identify common features among these models in their network structures, model dynamics and approaches for model validation. We describe how the model analysis technique of fast–slow decomposition, which exploits the naturally occurring multiple timescales of sleep–wake behavior, can be applied to understand model dynamics in these networks. Our purpose in identifying commonalities among these models is to propel understanding of both the mathematical models and their underlying conceptual models, and focus directions for future experimental and theoretical work.
Behavioral couples therapy with alcoholic men and their intimate partners: The comparative effectiveness of bachelor's- and master's-level counselors *

The purpose of this study was to examine whether bachelor's-level counselors (N = 4) as compared to master's-level counselors (N = 4) could deliver manualized behavioral couples therapy (BCT) to alcoholic men and their intimate partners (N = 48) with equal compliance and achieve comparable patient outcomes. Male alcoholic patients, being treated in an outpatient program, and their intimate partners were randomly assigned to receive BCT from either a bachelor's-level or a master's-level counselor. Equivalency testing revealed that, in comparison to master's-level counselors, bachelor's-level counselors were equivalent in terms of adherence ratings to a BCT treatment manual, but were rated lower in terms of competence of treatment delivery. However, partners who received BCT from the bachelor's- and master's-level counselors reported equivalent levels of (a) satisfaction with treatment, (b) marital happiness during treatment, and (c) dyadic adjustment and percentage of days abstinent at posttreatment, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up.
Applications of the Schur Algorithm to Mixed H2 and H∞ Nehari Problems

Abstract In this paper, we will use the Schur algorithm to compute a solution to the Kaftal-Larson-Weiss mixed H 2 − H ∞ problem in the Nehari setting. First we will use the Schur algorithm to solve a mixed H 2 − H ∞ Caratheodory interpolation problem. By passing limits, we will then obtain an explicit formula in terms of Hankel matrices to solve the rational H 2 − H ∞ Nehari problem. Explicit solutions in terms of minimal state space realization will be given.
Short-Lived Facilitation of Aggressive Behavior by Violent Communications:

50 male university students each participated in one of five film conditions. In all conditions subjects were provoked, exposed to communications, and then given an opportunity to retaliate against their tormentor. Subjects in Condition 1, the control, viewed 150 sec. of a neutral film as opposed to 150 sec. of a violent film viewed in Conditions 2 through 5. Retaliation was delayed in Conditions 3, 4, and 5 by appending 100, 200, or 300 sec., respectively, of the neutral film of the control to the violent film viewed in these conditions. Postcommunication aggression was significantly greater than the control in Conditions 3 and 4 only
The temperature dependence of the Tafel slope for parallel electrochemical reactions

The differences in transfer coefficients, energies of activations and preexponentials of two parallel electrochemical reactions contributing to the summary reaction, can result in the temperature-independent apparent Tafel slope. The results of calculations are compared with experimental data for the temperature dependence of the Tafel slope for oxygen evolution reaction on platinum.
The Information and Learning Commons: Some Reflections

The Information and Learning Commons mode of library organization has become more prevalent over the past few decades and allows academic libraries to provide wider-ranging and more cohesive services to their constituents. Several issues, including relying upon a single, mythical “Patron” in planning for services; poor organization; a lack of cohesion and centralized leadership; and the “digital divide” may hinder the effectiveness of the Commons and negatively impact both patrons and staff. If these problems can be surmounted, this model shows great promise for both current and future application in academic libraries.
Activation of vascular smooth muscle cells by TNF and PDGF: overlapping and complementary signal transduction mechanisms

Objective : Because tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vein graft neointimal hyperplasia, we sought to determine mechanisms by which TNF could induce proliferative and migratory responses in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Methods and results : In rabbit jugulocarotid interposition vein grafts, SMCs expressed TNF as early as four days postoperatively. In rabbit aortic SMCs, TNF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) elicited comparable migration (1.7-fold/basal), and their effects were partially additive. In contrast, while TNF failed to promote SMC [3H]thymidine incorporation alone, it doubled the [3H]thymidine incorporation observed with PDGF alone. To gain mechanistic insight into these phenomena, we found that TNF and PDGF each activated p38mapk equivalently in SMCs, but that PDGF was two to three times more efficacious than TNF in activating SMC extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. However, only TNF activated NFκB. SMC [3H]thymidine incorporation that depended on TNF, but not PDGF, was abolished by overexpression of a dominant-negative IκBα mutant. Inhibition of ERK activation by U0126 reduced SMC migration stimulated only by PDGF (by 35%, P <0.05), but not by TNF. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase by LY294002, however, significantly reduced both TNF- and PDGF-stimulated chemotaxis (by 38–54%, P <0.05). In contrast, both U0126 and LY294002 abolished SMC [3H]thymidine incorporation induced by either TNF, PDGF, or both agonists. Conclusions : In primary rabbit SMCs, TNF promotes migration and mitogenesis through signaling mechanisms that are both distinct from and overlapping with those employed by PDGF. TNF-induced SMC mitogenesis requires complementary co-stimulation with other growth factors.
The Role of Radiation Therapy in Gross Totally Resected Meningiomas.

he study by Hasan et al. evaluates the controversial question of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for gross totally T resected atypical meningiomas. They performed a metaanalysis of the available literature from 1984 to 2012. Fourteen studiesmet their inclusioncriteria; therewerea total of 757patients of which 549 were gross total resection alone. Patients receiving adjuvantRThada lower recurrence rate (33.7%vs.15%;P1⁄40.005) and improved 5-year local control (62% vs. 73%). However, there was no difference in the 5-year overall survival, which was 90% in both groups. The studywas limited by population size,whichmade subset analysis, particularly by Simpson grade, not possible. Hasan et al. conclude that adjuvant RT provides improved local control but does not have an effect on overall survival, likely due to the utility of salvage therapy and recommend further more focused and prospective study into the question. Unfortunately, the study was performed before a recent study by Sun et al. (18), which found no difference in local control with adjuvant RT after gross total resection. Because Sun et al. (18) had 151 patients, this would have been the largest study, if included.
Preparation, characterization and electrochemical investigation of dimeric molybdenum thioxanthate complexes, Mo(S2CSR)4, and their relationship to analogous binuclear dithioacid complexes

Abstract The dimolybdenum thioxanthate complexes, Mo 2 (S 2 CSR) 4 , R = −C 2 H 5 , − i C 3 H 7 , − t C 4 H 9 , and −CH 2 C 6 H 5 , were synthesized and chemically characterized as analogues of the previously reported Mo 2 (S 2 COR) 4 complexes. A series of complexes Mo 2 (S 2 CX) 4 , X = −SR, −OR, −NR 2 and −R, was prepared and found to be electrochemically active. The primary cathodic process is analogous in all systems, and the effects of substituents on the redox couple are analyzed. The overall electrochemical behavior of the dimolybdenum(II) thioxanthate complexes is related to that of the oxo-bridged dimer Mo 2 O 3 (S 2 CSR) 4 . The interrelationship of the Mo 2 (S 2 CNR 2 ) 4 complex and the rearranged “carbene” derivative, Mo 2 S 2 (SCNR 2 ) 2 (S 2 CNR 2 ) 2 , is discussed.
Stimulation and suppression of erythropoiesis in the plethoric mouse by cyclic nucleotides.

SummaryThe cyclic 3,5-guanosine nucleotide and its dibutyryl derivative failed to enhance erythropoiesis in the posthypoxic mouse. This inhibition seemed to be competitive in that cGMP or dbcGMP, when administered in conjunction with dbcAMP, an erythropoietic stimulant, significantly decreased the percent 59Fe incorporation below the level of dbcAMP effect alone.
Differential faraday rotation spectrometer for detection of nitric oxide isotopes

We present a differential dual-modulation Faraday rotation spectrometer for real-time detection of nitric oxide isotopologues. The prototype system provides > 27 dB signal cancellation for optical subtraction of the sample and calibration gas spectra.
Lattices with Unique Irreducible Decompositions

Consider a lattice S in which the ascending chain condition holds. Then each element of S has at least one reduced1 representation as a cross-cut of irreducibles. Now it is well known that the requirement that this representation be unique considerably restricts the structure of the lattice. For example, Garrett Birkhoff [1] has proved that a modular lattice in which every element is uniquely expressible as a reduced cross-cut of irreducibles is distributive. Furthermore, Morgan Ward has shown that unicity of the irreducible decompositions implies that the lattice is a Birkhoff lattice.2 These results suggest the interesting problem of characterizing a lattice in which every element has a unique reduced representation as a cross-cut of irreducibles in terms of the structure of the lattice. We give here a complete solution of this problem. We show, namely, that such lattices are simply those Birkhoff lattices in which every modular sublattice is distributive.
Microemboli reduce phase III slopes of CO2 and invert phase III slopes of infused SF6.

We investigated the effect of increasing doses of intravenously infused glass microspheres (mean diameter 125 μm) on gas exchange in anesthetized, heparinized, mechanically ventilated goats (Vt= 16–18ml/kg). Breath-by-breath CO2 expirograms were collected using a computerized system (Study A) during the infusion of a total of 15 g of microspheres. We found a 50% decrease in extravascular lung water by indicator dilution with a corresponding doubling of alveolar dead space (Vdalv). Airways deadspace (Vdaw) decreased by 13 ml (10%) and mean normalized phase III slope for CO2 decreased from 0.23 to −0.08 L− becoming negative in 3 of 5 animals. In a second study (Study B), simultaneous breath-by-breath CO2 and infused SF6 expirograms were collected using a infrared CO2 analyzer and a mass spectrometer. Under baseline conditionsVdaw for CO2 was smaller than for SF6 and the ratio of the phase III slope for SF6 to the phase III slope for CO2 was 1.39. Following embolization there were no differences inVdaw between the two gases, however, the phase III slope for CO2 became either slightly negative or extremely flat, while the phase III slope for SF6 became negative in 73% of the breaths (−0.17 L−1, P < 0.05). Negative phase III slopes have been predicted by a single path model when blood flow is confined to the most mouthward generations of the acinus (Schwardtet al., Ann. Biomed. Engin, 19: 679–697, 1991). The agreement between the numerical model and the experimental data is consistent with a serial distribution of blood flow within the acinus.
Characterizing The Class Organization Of Labor Market Opportunity A Modified Latent Structure Approach

An underlying mechanism which divides the American labor force into classes is characterized by latent structure methods. Four dichotomous indicators of labor market rewards-measures of the forms o...
Current mouse and cell models in prostate cancer research

Mouse models of prostate cancer (PCa) are critical for understanding the biology of PCa initiation, progression, and treatment modalities. Here, we summarize recent advances in PCa mouse models that led to new insights into specific gene functions in PCa. For example, the study of transgenic mice with TMPRSS2/ERG, an androgen-regulated fusion protein, revealed its role in developing PCa precursor lesions, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia; however, it is not sufficient for PCa development. Double deficiency of Pten and Smad4 leads to a high incidence of metastatic PCa. Targeted deletion of Pten in castration-resistant Nkx3-1-expressing cells results in rapid carcinoma formation after androgen-mediated regeneration, indicating that progenitor cells with luminal characteristics can play a role in initiation of PCa. Transgenic mice with activated oncogenes, growth factors, and steroid hormone receptors or inactivated tumor suppressors continue to provide insights into disease progression from initiation to metastasis. Further development of new PCa models with spatial and temporal regulation of candidate gene expression will probably enhance our understanding of the complex events that lead to PCa initiation and progression, thereby invoking novel strategies to combat this common disease in men.
Right way neurons.

The visual and vestibular systems encode different, but complementary, aspects of self motion. A study in this issue sheds light on how the brain combines cues from these disparate sources, which are encoded by single neurons in the monkey extrastriate visual cortex, to support the perception of heading direction.
Abstract 909: Calcium intake, CASR polymorphisms and phenotype, and the risk of colorectal adenoma: Results from Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study

Background: A number of cohort studies and randomized trials suggest that high calcium consumption may confer a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Results, however, have been inconsistent. It is possible that the calcium effect may differ by polymorphisms in the genes involved in calcium regulation. Calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) tightly regulates systemic calcium levels by sensing minor changes in extracellular calcium concentration. Studies have found that CaSR is expressed in the human colon epithelium and regulates epithelial proliferation and differentiation. It was also shown that luminal calcium inhibited colorectal tumors through CaSR. Four studies have thus far investigated the associations of CASR polymorphisms and haplotypes and their interactions with calcium intakes in relation to risk of colorectal cancer or adenoma. However, these studies have generated inconsistent results. Objectives: In the current study, we first screened whether CASR variants or their interactions with calcium intake were associated with urinary calcium phenotype among 233 normal controls. SNPs which were associated with phenotype were further evaluated for their independent association and interaction with calcium intake on colorectal adenoma risk. Methods: Included in the study were participants of the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study (TCPS), an ongoing colonoscopy-based case control study conducted in Nashville, TN. Genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix Human Mapping 500K array set for 666 cases and 751 controls. Twenty two tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for CASR were analyzed. Linear regression models (SAS MIXED procedure) were used to estimate association between genotypes and urinary calcium level. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each SNP. Multiplicative interactions for gene-diet interactions were evaluated in logistic regression models by using likelihood ratio tests. Results: Eleven SNPs were significantly associated with urinary calcium levels. Among these 11 SNPs, 4 SNPs significantly interacted with calcium intake in association with risk of adenoma. The association of the genotypes with adenoma risk differed by high or low level of calcium intake. We are conducting additional genotyping assays and will present the updated results in the AACR meeting. Conclusions: These findings suggest that some genetic variations in CASR and/or their interactions with dietary calcium intake have significant functional impact on calcium reabsorption, in turn, affect the risk of colorectal adenoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 909.
Myelin‐Associated Glycoprotein Shares an Antigenic Determinant with a Glycoprotein of Human Melanoma Cells

A sulfated 100K-dalton glycoprotein has been shown to be released into the culture medium of melanoma cells. Monoclonal antibodies 10C5 and 11B5, which were raised to human melanoma cells, as well as HNK-1 bind to this glycoprotein. It is shown here that mouse anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) carbohydrate antibodies raised to human MAG and a human IgM paraprotein associated with neuropathy also bind to the same 100K molecule. However, anti-MAG antibodies recognizing peptide epitopes do not appear to react with this glycoprotein of melanoma cells, a result suggesting that its similarity to MAG is restricted to shared carbohydrate moieties. The anti-melanoma antibodies (10C5 and 11B5) resemble HNK-1 in binding to MAG and to some 19-28K-dalton glycoproteins and sulfated, glucuronic acid-containing sphingoglycolipids of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In addition, the anti-melanoma antibodies cross-react with neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), an observation emphasizing the shared antigenicity between MAG and other adhesion molecules. The results demonstrate that the anti-melanoma antibodies fall into a class of monoclonal antibodies (including HNK-1, human IgM paraproteins associated with neuropathy, anti-human MAG antibodies, and L2 antibodies) that are characterized by reactivity against related carbohydrate determinants shared by human MAG, N-CAM, and several protein and lipid glycoconjugates of the PNS.
Photoreceptor processes: Some problems and perspectives

Visual photoreceptors from both vertebrates and invertebrates are characterized by extensive elaboration of membrane which contains visual pigment (rhodopsin). Visual pigments in all phyla examined are chemically similar: the chromophore is 11-cis retinaldehyde attached by an aldimine linkage (Schiff base) to a membrane protein, opsin. The effect of light is to isomerize the chromophore to the all-trans configuration. Beyond these fundamental similarities, several specific areas are discussed in which variations and differences appear. (1) Light causes vertebrate visual pigments to bleach, liberating the chromophore. Most invertebrate visual pigments do not bleach in the light, but instead form a thermally stable metarhodopsin, with the chromophore in the all-trans configuration still attached to the opsin. (2) In the disk membranes of vertebrate rod and cone outer segments, the rhodopsin molecules are oriented with their chromophores nearly coplanar with the disks. Within this plane, however, both rotational and translational diffusion are possible. In the microvillar membranes of arthropod and cephalopod rhabdoms, on the other hand, the situation is less clear. There is evidence for some preferential orientation of chromophores that implies restrictions on Brownian rotation. (3) In the outer segments of vertebrate receptors, absorption of light by rhodopsin causes the plasma membrane to hyperpolarize due to a decrease in sodium conductance, possibly mediated by calcium ions. In most invertebrate photoreceptors, light causes a depolarization due to an increase in conductance, principally to sodium ions. A subsequent entry of calcium causes a partial repolarization of the membrane, due to a decrease in sodium conductance. (4) For vertebrate receptors, log threshold is directly proportional to the fraction of rhodopsin bleached (Dowling-Rushton relationship). The proportionality constant varies in different preparations from less than four to more than 30, and the physical basis for the relationship is unknown. For invertebrates, by contrast, the dependence of sensitivity on rhodopsin concentration is much less dramatic and may well depend simply on the probability of quantum catch. (5) In most species, vertebrate and invertebrate, the accumulation of photoproduct probably has no effect on membrane conductance, but several possible exceptions exist. (6) Photoregeneration of rhodopsin from metarhodopsin is likely an important mechanism of recovery in certain arthropods such as diurnal insects, but dark mechanisms of recovery also exist in all phyla. In no single case are they adequately understood.
Effects of Local Deforestation on the Diversity and Structure of Southern California Giant Kelp Forest Food Webs

It has been hypothesized that the high diversity of giant kelp forests is due primarily to the provision of energy and habitat by the giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). In this article, I use a 19-year-long kelp forest-monitoring data set from the Channel Islands National Park (a) to identify associations between subtidal species and forested or deforested habitats, (b) to generate an idealized food web for Southern California giant kelp forests in order to identify the primary conduits of energy flow through the system, and (c) to determine changes in the diversity and complexity of this food web due to localized giant kelp deforestation. A total of 275 common species were observed in the park between 1982 and 2000, of which 36% occurred significantly more often in kelp-forested areas than in deforested areas (that is, sea urchin barrens); 25 species were found exclusively in forested areas. Most of these associations were clearly identified as trophic and/or structural associations with giant kelp itself. The producer level of the food web was diverse, although giant kelp apparently represents the greatest single source of fixed carbon through either direct grazing or the production of phytodetritus. Primary, secondary and tertiary consumer levels were also represented by numerous species, and generalist consumers were common. With deforestation, the source of primary production shifts from primarily kelps to ephemeral microalgae, macroalgae, and phytoplankton. These results support the reliance of giant kelp forest food-web structure and diversity on the presence of the forest itself.
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL ASCORBATE AND ORANGE JUICE ON URINARY OXALATE

Abstract The relationship between ascorbate intake, in supplemental form and naturally occurring in orange juice, and urinary oxalate was assessed in 6 healthy individuals. An experimental model which allowed a differentiation between endogenously- and exogenously-derived urinary oxalate was used. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected the last day of baseline, supplemental ascorbate, and orange juice treatment periods. Oxalate load tests were administered the day following each experimental treatment. Oxalate loads consisted of 175 mg unlabeled and 18 mg 1, 2- 13 C 2 oxalic acid. The orange juice treatment was associated with higher urinary excretion of endogenously-derived oxalate, citrate, and calcium, and a higher urinary pH. Since these urinary changes were not observed during the supplemental ascorbate period, the two sources of ascorbate differentially affected key urinary components which are related to calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
On the mechanism of the formation of widmanstätten graphite in flake graphite cast irons

The mechanism whereby Widmanstatten graphite develops during the solidification of flake graphite cast irons has been found to involve the preferential segregation and a complex interaction of specific elements at the surface of the graphite flake during solidification and the development of the plate like appendages in the solid austenite adjacent to the graphite flake. The literature has suggested that lead, calcium and hydrogen may be causal to the formation of Widmanstatten graphite, but has the interaction of these elements has not been effectively documented. While the formation of this degraded graphite is often attributed to the presence of a sufficient amount of lead alone, it has been observed that Widmanstatten graphite develops only in conjunction with a combination of factors operative at the graphite-austenite interface. Commercial flake graphite cast irons may exhibit Widmanstatten graphite as a function of lead and calcium content in the iron, moisture content in the molding media, solidification cooling rate and the rate of cooling immediately after solidification, etc. Lead contamination of cast irons was also observed to increase the chilling tendency of the iron. The detrimental effects of lead can be counteracted by the presence of rare earths in the iron, where rare earth elements react with lead to form stable, high melting point compounds.
Emergency medicine residency applicant educational debt: relationship with attitude toward training and moonlighting.

. Objectives: Heated debate persists regarding the role of resident moonlighting in emergency medicine (EM). The attitudes of EM residency applicants have not been assessed. The objectives of this study were to assess: 1) the level of educational debt among EM residency applicants, 2) their perception of increased risk potential to patients from unsupervised EM resident practice, and 3) their opposition to laws restricting moonlighting. The authors then report the relationship between the degree of indebtedness and these stated positions. Methods: Fifty-four EM residency programs returned 393 responses to a 1996 anonymous survey. Applicants recorded: 1) their indebtedness, 2) whether they believed that EDs should hire only physicians who have completed full training in an EM residency, and 3) whether they believed that unsupervised EM practice prior to completing EM training carries a higher risk of adverse patient outcomes. The authors used a t-test and logistic regression to determine whether there was any significant difference in debt between responders who answered yes and those who answered no to the various questions. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean ± SD debt was $72,290 ± 48,683 (median $70,000). Most EM applicants (84.8%) agreed that unsupervised medical care by EM residents carries a higher risk of adverse patient outcomes. Paradoxically, only half the applicants opposed a moonlighting ban. Responses did not statistically correlate with educational debt. Conclusions: Emergency medicine residency applicant debt is large. The EM applicants' opposition to laws that would restrict moonlighting was mixed. This was inconsistent with the majority acknowledging an increased risk potential to patients. Nearly all EM applicants would still select EM as a career, even if moonlighting were to be banned.
Codeposited silicides in very-large-scale integration

Abstract Recently, with a view to their application as gate and interconnection metallization in metal/oxide/semiconductor devices, silicides have been formed by codepositing a metal and silicon mixture in the desired composition followed by annealing at higher temperatures. In this paper the codeposition of silicide films is reviewed. Both refractory and group VIII metal silicides have been deposited in this manner. Co-sputtering from two elemental targets for research purposes, and from one sintered target for routine depositions, are the preferred methods. Unannealed as-deposited films are conducting, and they crystallize on annealing to form lower resistivity silicides. The resistivity depends on the silicon-to-metal ratio and the contaminants. Other properties and processing factors are also discussed. The possible existence of a range of homogeneity in the refractory silicides, but not in group VIII metal silicides, is suggested.