cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictive Impact of Metastatic Lymph Node Burden on Distant Metastasis Across Papillary Thyroid Cancer Variants.

Background: While numerous factors determine prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), distant metastasis (M1) represents one of the most dire. Escalating nodal burden and aggressive histolog...
Immunotherapy in Gastroesophageal Cancers: Current Evidence and Ongoing Trials.

OPINION STATEMENT Data supporting the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer continues to evolve. The promising results from adjuvant immunotherapy and trials combining immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in the 1L setting have led to broad US FDA approvals. Among the PD-L1 negative subgroups, the magnitude of benefit is diminished; effective therapy for this population remains an unmet need. A detailed biologic understanding of the PD-L1 negative (and low) population represents a barrier to developing effective combination therapies, although combination angiogenesis inhibitors and immunotherapy look encouraging. Early phase clinical trials, particularly with pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib (EPOC 1706), demonstrated a clear signal independent of PD-L1, and a confirmatory phase III trial of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib is planned. Conceptually, it is important to think of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy as targeted therapy, most active in clearly defined biomarker-selected populations. Pre-planned analyses have reliably shown a clear trend toward a greater magnitude of benefit in patients with higher PD-L1 expression, particularly CPS ≥ 5 and ≥ 10. Whether there is a linear relationship at higher cutoffs is not well known, though it likely represents smaller and smaller populations. Although beyond the scope of this clinically oriented review, recognition of the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression is important and repeat testing from progression samples across lines of therapy should be considered. Questions about additional predictive biomarkers, particularly plasma-derived, remain. Responses by tumor histology and location also differ, and special attention to these factors as well as MSI-H, HER2, and EBV subgroups in future trials is warranted. Questions regarding the incorporation of immunotherapy after progression on 1L immunotherapy plus chemotherapy combinations will arise as these combinations are used more frequently, and this represents a key area of future investigation. Overall, the role of immunotherapy continues to expand in GEA, and we welcome any additional tools for this difficult-to-treat group of cancers.
Regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor expression by an RNA binding protein: Role of ERK signaling

A specific luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) mRNA binding protein (LRBP) has been identified and purified. This LH receptor mRNA binding protein selectively binds to the polypyrimidine rich bipartite sequence in the coding region of the LHR mRNA and accelerates its degradation. In response to preovulatory LH surge, the LH receptor expression in the ovary undergoes downregulation by accelerated degradation of LH receptor mRNA through the involvement of this RNA binding protein. Here we describe the intracellular mechanism triggered by LH/hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) that leads to the regulated degradation of LH receptor mRNA. Downregulation of LH receptor mRNA was induced by treatment of cultured human granulosa cells with 10 IU of hCG. Activation of downstream target, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2) showed an increase within five min and sustained up to 1 h. Confocal analysis showed that ERK1/2 translocates to the nucleus after 15 min of hCG treatment. This leads to an increase in LRBP expression which then causes downregulation of LH receptor mRNA by accelerating its degradation. Treatment with UO126 or transfection with ERK specific siRNA (small interfering RNA) resulted in the abolishment of ERK activation as well as LHR mRNA downregulation. RNA electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay of the cytosolic fractions showed that hCG-induced increase in the LH receptor mRNA binding activity was also abrogated by these treatments. These results show that LH/hCG-induced LH receptor mRNA downregulation is initiated by the activation of ERK1/2 pathway by regulating the expression and activity of LH receptor mRNA binding activity.
Large Deviations of Typical Linear Functionals on a Convex Body with Unconditional Basis

We study large deviations of linear functionals on an isotropic convex set with unconditional basis. It is shown that suitably normalized l 1-balls play the role of extremal bodies.
A Review of Equity in Nonprofit and Public Sector: A Vehicle Routing Perspective

The majority of operations research (OR) applications and models focus on performance metrics and objectives based on effectiveness and efficiency. Equity is a key goal of nonprofit and public sector operations and has been studied considerably less than effectiveness and efficiency. In this article, we present an overview of incorporating equity in OR models and we review vehicle routing applications, such as disaster relief, mobility services, food distribution, and hazardous material transportation, which consider equity. We suggest future research directions in studying equity in vehicle routing. Keywords: operations research; equity; routing; nonprofit sector; public sector
Relationship between systemic bone mineral density and local bone quality as effectors of dental implant survival.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess (1) the relationship of systemic bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic status with the surgeon's subjective assessment of local jawbone quality, and (2) whether the surgeon's subjective assessment of local jawbone quality is a predictor of implant failure. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2,867 dental implants placed in 645 patients was accomplished. The surgeon's assessment of bone quality at the time of dental implant placement was recorded. Of those, 208 patients with 701 implants had BMD data available within 3 years. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine relationships between BMD, osteoporotic status, and local jawbone quality and to determine the relationship between local jawbone quality and implant survival. Results: There was no association between systemic BMD and the surgeon's assessment of bone quality (p = .52) nor between osteoporotic status and the surgeon's assessment of local jawbone quality (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.08). Additional retrospective analysis revealed implants placed in moderate- (hazard ratio = 1.67; p = .043) or poor-quality (HR = 3.45, p < .001) bone (surgeon's assessment) were significantly more likely to fail than implants placed in good-quality bone. Conclusion: Systemic BMD and osteoporotic status are not associated with local jawbone quality. Implants placed in good-quality bone, as assessed subjectively by the surgeon at the time of implant placement, have significantly better survival characteristics than implants placed in moderate-/poor-quality bone.
Multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock Calculations for Complex Atoms

The Hartree-Fock method has become a standard in atomic structure theory. Simpler methods are often compared with it when accessing their reliability or worth(1) and the notion of correlation, which intuitively may be thought of as the correction needed to account for the fact that electrons do not move independently in a central field, is defined with respect to the Hartree-Fock method rather than some other independent-particle model.(2) In fact, in an earlier article in this series, Fricke(3) states, “The so-called HF method is the basis of all good atomic calculations.” In some sense, the Hartree-Fock method is the “best” method. Let us briefly review its properties. (A more detailed discussion may be found in Ref. 4.)
Barriers and Facilitators of Healthy Diet and Exercise Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Implications for Behavioral Interventions.

Purpose: This study uses qualitative methods to identify barriers to and facilitators of exercise and healthy eating among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (survivors currently aged 18–39 years and diagnosed with cancer anytime in their lives), as reported by survivors and their primary supporters. Methods: Survivors (Mage = 27.6 years, SD = 6.6 years) had completed active cancer therapy. Survivors and supporters (i.e., nominated by survivors as someone who was a main source of support) attended separate focus group sessions (five survivor focus groups, five supporter focus groups) and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire assessing demographic and cancer history and engagement in exercise and healthy eating. Results: In total, 25 survivors and 19 supporters participated. The three overarching themes identified were barriers to exercise and healthy eating (e.g., lack of resources, negative thoughts and feelings, negative social and environmental influences), facilitators of...
Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Emesis (MANE) for the assessment of cancer chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting

The present study evaluated the concurrent validity of two assessment approaches for the measurement of cancer chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. The results indicated that the concurrent validity between the Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Emesis (MANE; Morrow, 1984b) and continuous self-monitoring and the reliability on the MANE were moderate. The heterotrait-monomethod and heterotrait-heteromethod matrices demonstrated moderate correlations among the frequency, severity, and duration of anticipatory nausea and vomiting as well as high correlations among the frequency, severity, and duration of posttreatment nausea and vomiting. Additionally, the heterotrait-monomethod matrices show a number of correlations above chance between anticipatory and posttreatment symptoms. The results are discussed in light of future research endeavors.
Crop depredation by waterfowl: is compensation the solution?

This article examines the apparent failure of public programs which provide reimbursement for agricultural losses in order to quell opposition to concentrations of migratory waterfowl. A theoretical model and case study are employed to investigate the complex economic incentives arising from the presence of waterfowl, the availability of compensation, and public assistance with prevention of loss. It is concluded that compensation and dispersal assistance generate conflicting incentives, and that the limited success of the former could also be due to satiation in consumption and to administrative inefficiencies. The paper examines an alternative to compensation — institutional change which would enable farmers to capture willingness to pay for the opportunity to hunt waterfowl—and concludes that it is worthy of greater attention from policymakers. Cet article examine l'echec apparent des programmes publics destines a rembourser les agriculteurs des penes dues aux oiseaux aquatiques migrateurs. Un modele theorique et une etude de cas sont utilises pour examiner les motifs economiques compliques qui resultent de la presence de ces oiseaux, les fonds de dedommagemenl disponibles, et l'action publique pour la prevention des pertes. II est conclu que dedommagemenl et assistance pour la dispersion des oiseaux produisent des conflits d'interel, el que l'insucces partiel de la premiere mesure pourrai eire clua I'incompetence administrative et a un effet de sur-consommation. Cet article examine une alternative au dedommagement: un changement d'institutions qui permettrait au fermier de recuperer la valeur de la chasse aux oiseaux aquatiques migraleurs. On conclut que cetle solution merite plus d'attenlion de la pan des agents de decision.
Evaluation of spectral reflectance models to estimate corn leaf area while minimizing the influence of soil background effects

Abstract Linear and nonlinear models to estimate LAI in corn (Zea mays L.) using data from the seven wavebands of the Barnes modular multiband radiometer (MMR) and the four bands of the Exotech 100 radiometer were evaluated. Several MRR band ratios responded to changes in LAI over a cropped surface. The maximum response was shown by MMR4/MMR3 where MMR4 is the waveband 0.76–0.90 μm and MMR3 is the waveband 0.63–0.69 μm. The ratios of MMR6/MMR3 [(1.55–1.75 μm)/(0.63–0.69 μm)] and log(MMR4/MMR3) produced an LAI model which appeared less sensitive to differences in soil background than many commonly used data transformations. The best MMR model responded linearly to LAI values up to 4.0, whereas the best Exotech model responded linearly to LAI only up to about 2.5. The best MMR and Exotech models were selected as those models which had the lowest values of our Soil Bias Index (SBI). SBI is defined as the sum of the absolute value of the mean and the standard deviation of predicted LAI values for a standard bare soil data set comprising reflectance spectra of 246 soil series from 481 sites.
BRONCHODILATOR EFFICACY OF ISOETHARINE METHYLATE ADMINISTERED BY METERED DOSE INHALER (MDI) BY BAG (B) VERSUS JET NEBULIZER (J)

Top of pageAbstract Beta agonists administered in aerosol form are effective and safe therapy for asthma. MDIs are convenient means of generating aerosols but patients younger than 6 are unable to learn inhalation technique. We have developed an aerosol bag of 1.2 liter capacity by modifying the standard freezer bag (Ziploc, Dow Chemical) with a mouthpiece attached in the corner. After the bag was inflated and canister activated through the mouthpiece, the patient breathed in and out of the bag 10 times (through the mouthpiece). We compared the bronchodilator efficacy of isoetharine aerosol 2 puffs (0.34 mg per puff) administered from a MDI in the modified B with 2.5 mg of isoetharine diluted in 2.5 ml of saline nebulized in a compressed air driven J in 15 stable asthmatic children ages 8 to 15. Treatment was given in randomized double blind cross over fashion over a two day period. Pulmonary function was tested before and after therapy for 4 hours. The mean baseline FEV1S were 1.27 (B) and 1.22 (J) liter and increased 39, 41, 43, 36, 21 and 11% above the baseline period at 10, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes after B and 32, 33, 28, 17, 7 and 5% at the same intervals after J. The differences were not significant at any time. Aerosol administered with the B form of MDI is more advantageous than the J. It is more convenient, easily portable, and cost effective with a lower dose (0.68 mgm) than required with a (J) (2.5 mg).
TNF mediates a murine model of Addison's crisis.

Addison's crisis is the most serious complication of adrenal insufficiency. To elucidate the mechanism of this disorder following infection, the role of TNF in adrenalectomized murine models of Addison's crisis and Addison's disease (chronic hypoglucocorticoidism) were examined. Adrenalectomy conferred a 40-fold increased sensitivity to the lethal effects of lipopolysacharride (LPS) (P < .001). Enhanced sensitivity to LPS was found to increase with duration of adrenal insufficiency (P < .02). Enhanced lethality to heat-killed Streptococcus pneumonia was also demonstrated (P < 0.02). Necropsy of endotoxin-killed adrenalectomized mice demonstrated similar pathologic findings to those found by others when the control mice were administered a lethal dose of either LPS or TNF. Adrenalectomized TNF receptor Ia and Ib double null mice were demonstrated to be resistant to the lethal effects of LPS (P < 0.02). Pretreatment with anti-TNF, but not control antisera, was found to prevent death in LPS-treated wild-type adrenalectomized mice as well (P < 0.02). Studies into the mechanism by which TNF was precipitating Addison's crisis demonstrated enhanced sensitivity to TNF (3-fold; P < 0.02), and a marked increase in serum TNF concentration (approximately 5-fold; P < 0.001) following LPS challenge. The effect of TNF upon long-term survival in adrenalectomized mice was examined in TNF-receptor Ia- and Ib-deficient mice. Deficiencies in either the TNF-receptor Ia or Ib was noted to confer a survival advantage relative to colony controls following adrenalectomy (P < 0.02). In summary, both LPS-induced Addison's crisis and chronic adrenal insufficiency are disorders of TNF disregulation. Based upon these data, therapeutic strategies targeted at controlling TNF in adrenal insufficiency are suggested.
The electrochemical reactions of pure indium with Li and Na: Anomalous electrolyte decomposition, benefits of FEC additive, phase transitions and electrode performance

Abstract Indium thin films were evaluated as an anode material for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries (theoretical capacities of 1012 mAh g −1 for Li and 467 mAh g −1 for Na). XRD data reveal that several known Li–In phases (LiIn, Li 3 In 2 , LiIn 2 and Li 13 In 3 ) form providing 950 mAh g −1 reversible capacity. In contrast, the reaction with Na is severely limited (75–125 mAh g −1 ). XRD data of short-circuited cells (40 h at 65 °C) show the coexistence of NaIn, In, and an unknown Na x In phase. In electrodes exhibit anomalous electrolyte decomposition characterized by large discharge plateaus at 1.4 V vs Li/Li + and 0.9 V vs Na/Na + . The presence of 5 wt% fluoroethylene carbonate additive suppresses the occurrence of the electrolyte decomposition during the first cycle but does not necessarily prevent it upon further cycling. Prevention of the anomalous decomposition can be achieved by restricting the (dis)charge voltages, increasing the current or by using larger amounts of FEC. The native surface oxides (In 2 O 3 ) are responsible for the pronounced electrolyte decomposition during the first cycle while other In 3+ species are responsible during the subsequent cycles. We also show that indium electrodes can exhibit very high rate capability for both Li (100 C-rate) and Na (30 C-rate).
Circular dichroism and saccharide-induced conformational transitions of lectins from Ricinus communis.

Abstract Conformational studies on lectins from castor beans (Ricinus communis), RCAI and RCAII, were performed by using circular dichroism (CD). The CD spectra were similar showing several negative bands at 270–320 nm, a positive region at 230–250 nm, several negative bands at 205–225 nm, and a positive peak at about 195 nm. However, significant differences were observed in the band strength between RCAI and RCAII. Lactose, melibiose, and d -fucose induced marked Conformational alterations in RCAI, whereas weaker effects were produced by d -galactose and l -rhamnose. Saccharide-induced conformational alterations were weaker in RCAII than in RCAI, with only lactose and melibiose inducing significant alterations. d -Glucose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucose, which do not inhibit hemagglutination by RCAI or RCAII, did not influence lectin conformation. Acetylation of tyrosyl groups with N-acetylimidazole produced changes in the CD bands in the near uv indicating involvement of tyrosine residues. The saccharide effect was most pronounced at 285 nm, a band that was assigned to a tyrosine chromophore. Analysis of the CD bands in the far-uv zone indicated the presence of approximately 50% pleated sheet (β) structure, and 13–15% α-helix in both RCAI and RCAII. According to the CD results, the polypeptide chain backbone in the lectins was not affected by the saccharides, whereas significant disorganization occurred in 7 m guanidine-HCl.
On the upper chromatic numbers of the reals

Abstract Let S be a metric space and let k be a positive integer. Define χ (k) (S) to be the smallest positive integer m such that for every k×m array D=(Dij) of positive real numbers, S can be colored with the colors 1,2,…,m such that no two points of distance Dij are both colored j. We improve the best upper bound known on χ (k) ( R ) from 32kk! to ⌈4ek⌉, where e is the base of the natural logarithm. We prove a conjecture of Abrams (Discrete Math. 169 (1997) 157–162) that χ (k) ( Z )= χ (k) ( R ) for all k∈ N , extend this result to higher dimensions under the l1 and l∞ norms, and prove that the upper chromatic numbers are finite for these spaces. We also introduce a new related chromatic quantity of a graph G, the chromatic capacity, χcap(G).
Value of Targeted Prostate Biopsy Using Magnetic Resonance–Ultrasound Fusion in Men with Prior Negative Biopsy and Elevated Prostate-specific Antigen

Abstract Background Conventional biopsy fails to detect the presence of some prostate cancers (PCas). Men with a prior negative biopsy but persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) pose a diagnostic dilemma, as some harbor elusive cancer. Objective To determine whether use of magnetic resonance–ultrasound (MR-US) fusion biopsy results in improved detection of PCa compared to repeat conventional biopsy. Design, setting, and participants In a consecutive-case series, 105 subjects with prior negative biopsy and elevated PSA values underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fusion biopsy in an outpatient setting. Intervention Suspicious areas on multiparametric MRI were delineated and graded by a radiologist; MR–US fusion biopsy was performed by a urologist using the Artemis device; targeted and systematic biopsies were obtained regardless of MRI result. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Detection rates of all PCa and clinically significant PCa (Gleason ≥3+4 or Gleason 6 with maximal cancer core length ≥4mm) were determined. The yield of targeted biopsy was compared to systematic biopsy. The ability of an MRI grading system to predict clinically significant cancer was investigated. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of significant cancer on biopsy. Results and limitations Fusion biopsy revealed PCa in 36 of 105 men (34%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25–45). Seventy-two percent of men with PCa had clinically significant disease; 21 of 23 men (91%) with PCa on targeted biopsy had significant cancer compared to 15 of 28 (54%) with systematic biopsy. Degree of suspicion on MRI was the most powerful predictor of significant cancer on multivariate analysis. Twelve of 14 (86%) subjects with a highly suspicious MRI target were diagnosed with clinically significant cancer. Conclusions MR–US fusion biopsy provides improved detection of PCa in men with prior negative biopsies and elevated PSA values. Most cancers found were clinically significant.
Measurement of Bioactive Neuropeptides Using a Chromatographic Immunosensor Cartridge

Neuropeptide modulation of host defenses is associated with a number of clinical conditions in which tissue injury is caused by a process termed neurogenic inflammation. Monitoring of neuropeptide activity during both disease episodes and therapy has proven difficult due to a lack of correlation between laboratory evaluations and disease activity. Although a number of assays are available for measuring the total neuropeptide content of tissue samples, few can measure the bioactive component which is the more physiologically accurate parameter. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a receptor-affinity chromatographic technique coupled with immunological detection has been developed for measuring three bioactive neuropeptides (substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and calcitonin gene-related peptide) in tissue biopsy extracts. The technique involves isolation of the active neuropeptides via their ability to bind to immobilized receptors followed by measurement of the bound materials by a series of simultaneous immunoassays. The techniques compares favourably with results obtained using conventional bioassays and has the added advantage that multiple analytes can be measured in a single procedure.
Continuity or Change? The Strategic Culture of Australia

Important puzzles remain in security policy literature, including whether strategic culture can change over time, and if so, under what conditions. This study proposes a model of strategic cultural change that identifies key actors and conditions at work in the process. The article then applies the model to chart the evolution of Australian security policy in the past two decades. We find that structural changes, including geostrategic situation and new security threats, coupled with elite interpretation and discourse, have produced a new “regional defense plus” strategic cultural frame for Australia. This, in turn, has led to measureable changes in defense policy. This work concludes with insights on the implications of change for the broader literature on strategic culture and constructivist security studies.
Exercise Training in Heart Failure: Inpatient and Outpatient Considerations

Exercise training has become increasingly important in the treatment of heart failure patients, It has long been known that the exercise tolerance of a patient with heart failure is related to his or her morbidity and mortality. Recently, it has been proved that exercise training improves cardiorespiratory function, functional status, and psychosocial status of heart failure patients. It is unknown whether these improvements will improve morbidity and mortality but quality of life appears to be enhanced. Subtle improvements in these areas may lead to a more satisfying and productive life for many heart failure patients. However, further investigation of the specific effects of such improvements is needed.
Systematics of the genus Ceratopteris Brongn. (Parkeriaceae) II. Taxonomy

A revision of the genusCeratopteris is presented based on comparative morphology and geographical distribution. Four species are recognized:C. thalictroides, C. cornuta, C. pteridoides, andC. richardii. Characteristics of taxonomic importance include frond length, shape, and dissection; stipe width; insertion of basal pinnae; bud development; habit; annulus cell number; spore number per sporangium; spore size; and spore surface features. Evolution within species and putative hybridization between species are discussed.
Minute tubular forms in soil

Large numbers of minute, flat, long, straight, but often broken structures were observed in aqueous extracts of soil. We have applied the purely descriptive term 'tubules' to these structures, beca...
Vulnerability of spatial frequency channels in cerebral lesions

QUANTITATIVE studies of vision in patients with cerebral lesions pose a challenge to purely topographical concepts of cerebral organisation. Pyschophysical measurements of the detectability of sinusoidal gratings (contrast sensitivity functions)1 established that in the majority of patients detection of high spatial frequencies suffers most. The spatial frequency of a grating is the number of its alternating bars subtended in 1° of visual angle; the higher the number, the finer the pattern. There seems to be no obvious correlation between this loss of fine pattern discrimination and the aetiology or the exact localisation of a cerebral lesion. The neural basis of this loss is unknown in vision as with the other senses. Is it the result of specific vulnerability of those neurones of the primary visual pathways which are optimally responding to high spatial frequencies or to some defect of high order cognitive functions? In this report I present data on three patients who recovered from cerebral blindness. Serial evoked potentials and psychophysical detection of gratings of high frequency showed concurrent changes throughout recovery in one patient in whom they could be measured. This suggests that structures of the central nervous system which determine evoked potentials and psychophysical responses to high frequency gratings are either identical or similarly vulnerable. These data also suggest why mid- and high-spatial frequency channels of the primary visual pathways may be especially vulnerable to cerebral lesions.
Sub-10 nm epitaxial graphene nanoribbon FETs

Graphene is being investigated as a promising candidate for electronic devices. For digital electronic devices, a substantial bandgap is necessary. It is possible to open a bandgap in graphene by quantum confinement of the carriers in patterned graphene nanoribbons (GNRs); GNRs with width W nm have a bandgap E g ∼1.3/W eV [1]. This implies that sub-10 nm wide ribbons can enable room-temperature operation of GNRs as traditional semiconductors, but with ultimate vertical scaling, and still take advantage of high current drives. To date, GNRs have been fabricated from exfoliated graphene [2] and operated by back gates, or nanometer scale ribbons produced by ‘explosive’ methods [3] that are neither controlled nor reproducible. These methods are not suitable for large-area device fabrication. In this work, we report lithographically patterned GNRs on epitaxial graphene on SiC substrates. Specifically, we show the first top-gated GNR field-effect transistors (FETs) on epi-graphene substrates that exhibit the opening of a substantial energy bandgap (exceeding ∼0.15 eV at a ribbon width of 10 nm), respectable carrier mobility (700 – 800 cm2/Vs), high current modulation (10∶1 at 300 K), and high current carrying capacity (0.3 mA/µm at V DS = 1 V) at the same time. Both single GNR and GNR array devices are reported.
Thin Film Self-Assembly of Poly(trimethylsilylstyrene-b-D,L-lactide) with Sub-10 nm Domains

Integrating block copolymer self-assembly with existing lithography processes to enhance their patterning capability is a promising approach for manufacturing a variety of semiconductor devices and next-generation magnetic storage media. Sub-10 nm block copolymer domains are specifically targeted in many of these applications, yet there are relatively few block copolymers that can achieve these dimensions. Here the synthesis and self-assembly characteristics of a new block copolymer poly(trimethylsilylstyrene-b-d,l-lactide) (PTMSS-b-PLA) capable of forming domains as small as ∼5 nm are described. Several lamellar and cylinder forming diblocks were synthesized with bulk domain periodicities of 12–15 nm which are among the smallest domains yet reported for any neat block copolymer. Such small domains are possible because this new material has a large segment–segment interaction parameter which is an order of magnitude higher than poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and twice as large as poly(sty...
ABR Findings in Brainstem Ischemia: Occlusion of the Left Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery

ABR was measured ipsilaterally following permanent left anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) occlusion to assess the discrepancy in recovery between blood flow and function in the rat brainstem. Three types of wave patterns were classified: in type 1, all components disappeared; in type 2, all components disappeared transiently, then re-appeared; and in type 3, only a significant increase in the latency difference between components I-IV was noted. In type 2. we suggest that all components re-appeared because cochlear blood flow was re-established quickly by collateral circulation.
Reprinted Article “Pathophysiology of Vein Graft Failure: A Review”

Vein bypass grafting is an integral component of cardiovascular surgical practice for both arterial and venous diseases. However, many of these grafts will eventually fail due to either intrinsic or extrinsic causes. This review examines the current understanding and knowledge of venous histology, vein graft pathology and the associated endothelial and smooth muscle cell physiology and pharmacology. In addition, the status of research on the therapeutic control of vein graft intimal hyperplasia and accelerated atherosclerosis is assessed.
A fine structural analysis of the epidermis and cuticle of the oligochaete aeolosoma Bengalense stephenson.

The fine structure of the epidermis and cuticle has been described for the oligochaete Aeolosoma bengalense. The epidermis is a pseudostratified epithelium and consists of the following cell types: ciliated and nonciliated supportive cells, pigment cells and associated satellite cells, mucous cells, basal cells, and ciliated non-supportive columnar cells. Overlying and restricted to the supportive cells is a delicate cuticle composed of: (a) a discontinuous layer of membrane-bounded surface particles; (b) a thin filamentous layer of moderate electron density just under the surface particles; (c) a thicker inner filamentous layer of low electron density. Digestion with pronase effectively removes the cuticle. This, together with the fact that it stains with alcian blue and ruthenium red, indicates that the cuticle contains an acid mucopolysaccharide. Regeneration of the cuticle, following pronase treatment, is marked by the elaboration of numerous microvilli by the supportive cells. Most of the microvilli are transitory and evidence supports a microvillar origin for the cuticular surface particles. The presence of cuticular surface particles may be a characteristic shared in common by all oligochaetes and, perhaps, some polychaetes.
Daily Life in the Transnational Migrant Community of San Agustín, Oaxaca, and Poughkeepsie, New York

Ten young men hold a simple white casket in place in the back of a red van with New York license plates. They accompany the casket through town to the cemetery in San Agustin, Mexico. They are the ...
Effects of lipopolysaccharides on bone resorption in tissue culture.

1. Highly purified lipopolysaccharides stimulate the resorption of bone in tissue culture as assayed morphologically and by the release of45Ca from prelabelled bones. Associated with this effect are increases in: a) lactate released into the cultured medium, b) the total number of cells in the bones, c) the occurrence of osteoclasts and, d) a decrease in the amount of bone matrix. 2. Lipopolysaccharides prepared either by phenol extraction or by ether extraction stimulate bone resorption. 3. Lipopolysaccharide with most of the lipid removed loses its ability to stimulate bone resorption. 4. There is no relationship between the ability of lipopolysaccharides to stimulate the resorption of bone and pyrogenicity or their ability to neutralize antibody. 5. When using a submaximal dose of parathyroid hormone, its effect on bone resorption is additive to that of lipopolysaccharides. 6. Heparin which by itself has no effect on bone resorption potentiates the effect of lipopolysaccharide. 7. Thyrocalcitonin inhibits to a similar degree the resorption stimulated by lipopolysaccharide and parathyroid hormone.
A local fermionic ghost number anomaly for the Kallosh quantization of the heterotic string

Abstract We observe that the action for the Green-Schwarz heterotic string in the form given by Kallosh and Morozov has a local fermionic symmetry ghost number anomaly which does not appear in Carlip's form of the action. However, we point out, by analogy with the harmonic gauge bosonic string, that the gauge-independent total number anomaly associated with ghosts and gauge fixing is zero, so the anomaly is innocuous.
Simulation and experiments for hot forming of rectangular pans in fine-grained aluminum alloy AA5083

Accurate numerical simulation capability is critical to the development and implementation of hot forming technologies. Numerical simulations were developed for gas-pressure forming of commercial, fine-grained aluminum-magnesium (AA5083) material into deep pan shapes at 450°C. These simulations utilize a material constitutive model recently developed for fine-grained AA5083 materials as a user-defined routine in commercial Finite Element Method (FEM) software. Results from simulations are compared against data from gas-pressure forming experiments, which used the same forming conditions and die geometries. Specifically, local sheet thinning and radius of curvature in edges and corners are compared between simulation and experiment. Numerical simulations are in good agreement with experiments for local sheet thinning of up to 50%. For locations where sheet thinning exceeds 50%, simulations predict less thinning and larger formed radii than observed in experiments. It is likely that cavitation, which is not accounted for in simulations, plays a significant role in causing a decrease in simulation prediction accuracy for thinning values greater than 50%. This study demonstrates a simulation capability that is potentially of significant practical use for predicting the hot gas-pressure forming of fine-grained AA5083 material.
Effects of hyperoxia on nitric oxide synthase expression, nitric oxide activity, and lung injury in rat pups

Although hyperoxic exposure is an important contributor to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pulmonary response to oxygen, the role of NO in mediating chronic neonatal lung injury is unclear. Therefore, rat pups were exposed to normoxia or hyperoxia (>95% O2) from d 21 to 29. After the rats were killed, their lungs were removed for analysis of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, NO activity as measured by 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assay, and lung pathology. Hyperoxia caused 5-fold and 2-fold increases in inducible (i) NOS and endothelial (e) NOS levels, respectively. NO activity was assessed by measuring cGMP levels after normoxic or hyperoxic exposure in the presence and absence of NOS blockade with either aminoguanidine (AG) or Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). cGMP levels were elevated in hyperoxic versus normoxic rats (287+/-15 versus 106+/-9 pmol/mg protein, respectively, p < 0.001), and this increase in cGMP was attenuated after NOS blockade with either AG or L-NNA. Hyperoxic exposure significantly increased lung/body weight ratios and induced histologic changes of interstitial and alveolar edema; however, these hyperoxia-induced histologic changes were not altered by NOS blockade with AG or L-NNA. We conclude that hyperoxic exposure of rat pups up-regulated both iNOS and eNOS and increased NO activity as measured by cGMP levels derived from both iNOS and eNOS. Blockade of NOS reduced cGMP levels in the hyperoxic rat pups; however, it did not seem to reverse the pathologic consequences of hyperoxic exposure.
Indocyanine green loaded liposome nanocarriers for photodynamic therapy using human triple negative breast cancer cells.

Summary Background The goal of the current research is to evaluate the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) with the development of a theranostic thermosensitive liposome platform to deliver indocyanine green (ICG) as the near-infrared (NIR) photosensitizer excited by an 808 nm diode laser. Methods In the PDT protocol, an optimized thermosensitive liposome formulation is investigated to formulate ICG as the photosensitizer, which is exited by laser light at the wavelength of 808 nm delivered by a fiber-coupled laser system. ICG in both free solution and thermosensitive liposomal formulation were evaluated as the NIR photosensitizer and compared in the PDT treatment on a panel of triple negative breast cancer cell lines along with the nontumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A. In addition to cytotoxicity, and clonogenic survival assessment, the role of DNA double strand break damage was evaluated. Results Both MTT and clonogenic assays revealed that PDT using ICG inhibited the growth of several TNBC cell lines as well as the non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A; and the liposomal formulation of ICG did not compromise the in vitro treatment potency, though free ICG performed slightly more effective in certain cell lines, but was not statistically significant. Cell viability was dose dependent in regards to ICG concentration and irradiation energy. Interestingly, PDT using the described protocol was more potent to inhibit the growth of MDA-MB-468 and HCC-1806 cells, coinciding with the observation that these cells are more sensitive toward DNA damaging agents. In comparison, cell lines HCC-70, BT-549, and MCF-10A were found to have less of an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, substantial DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) were observed 30 min after the PDT treatment via a γ-H2AX staining assay. PDT induced DNA damage has the potential to lead to mutagenicity, which may have various responses depending on the repair capabilities of the cells. Conclusion Our results suggest that PDT using indocyanine green loaded liposomes were effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth to varying extents with higher responses observed for MDA-MB-468 and HCC-1806 cells.
X-ray scattering of calcite thin films deposited by atomic layer deposition: Studies in air and in calcite saturated water solution

Abstract Carbonates are one of the most abundant groups of minerals in earth systems and are important in many geological settings and industrial processes. Calcite (CaCO 3 ) thin films produced by atomic layer deposition offer a method to evaluate the surficial properties of carbonates as well as interactions at the carbonate–fluid interface. Using synchrotron X-ray reflectivity and X-ray diffraction, these films are observed to be porous, polycrystalline, and have crystallites oriented with the major (104) calcite cleavage plane parallel to the surface of the z -cut single crystal quartz substrate. An Al 2 O 3 buffer layer, present between quartz and the calcite film, does not affect the as-deposited film, but does influence how the films reorganize in contact with fluid. Without a buffer layer, calcite reorients its crystallites to have populations of (006) and (030) parallel to the substrate, while those with an Al 2 O 3 buffer layer become more amorphous. Amorphous films may represent an analog to amorphous calcium carbonate and provide insights into that material's thermophysical behavior. Due to a higher percentage of pore spaces available for fluid infiltration, films deposited at higher temperature make the calcite thin films more susceptible to amorphization. These films are chemically similar, but structurally dissimilar to bulk natural calcite. Nevertheless, they can be a complementary system to traditional single crystal X-ray surface scattering studies on carbonates, particularly for important but less common minerals, to evaluate mineral–fluid interfacial interactions.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines downregulate platelet derived growth factor-α receptor gene expression in human osteoblastic cells

Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is thought to play a significant role in bone repair and regeneration. We previously demonstrated that PDGF-AA binding can be modulated by interleukin-1 (IL-1). We now report that TNF-alpha significantly reduces PDGF-AA binding by decreasing the number of PDGF-alpha receptor subunits on the surface of normal human osteoblastic cells. This inhibition is likely due to a decrease in synthesis of PDGF-alpha receptors since TNF-alpha causes a relatively rapid decrease in PDGF-alpha receptor mRNA levels as determined by Northern blot analysis. The physiologic importance of this inhibition is demonstrated by a TNF-alpha induced decrease in PDGF-AA stimulated tyrosine kinase activity. When saturating concentrations of TNF-alpha were used, the addition of IL-1 further inhibited PDGF-AA binding and further decreased surface expression of PDGF-alpha receptors. In contrast, other mediators such as IL-6, PTH, 1,25(OH)2 vit D3, hydrocortisone, PGE2, bFGF, and IGF-1 had no effect. These results suggest that binding to the PDGF-alpha receptor is decreased by the strong pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha rather than as a general response to mediators important in bone resorption or bone formation. TNF-alpha and IL-1 are often co-expressed during destructive inflammatory processes. Thus, TNF-alpha and IL-1 may work in concert to limit the response of osteoblastic cells to PDGF-AA during periods of osseous inflammation.
Moral treatment reconsidered: some sociological comments on an episode in the history of British psychiatry

A reappraisal is offered of the precise sense in which the introduction of moral treatment at the end of the eighteenth century marked a decisive shift in our characteristic ways of responding to and coping with the mentally disturbed. Some connections are explored between this new approach to the 'mad' and larger social movements and processes.
Macrominerals in Guinea Pig Milk during 21 Days of Lactation

Milk samples were obtained daily from English short-hair albino guinea pigs for 21 d. Analyses included six macrominerals: Ca, P, K, chloride, Na, and Mg (in order of decreasing concentration). All minerals except K gradually increased in concentration from the beginning to the end of lactation. Calcium concentration began at 38 mM on d 1 and was 78 mM on d 21. The pattern of increase was quadratic: Y (mM) = 39 -.48X (day of lactation) + .11 X2. Phosphorus concentration was 38 mM on d 1 and highest at 51 mM on d 21. Chloride was 19 mM on d 1 and 68 mM on d 21. Sodium was 13 mM on d 1 and highest at 42 mM on d 21. Magnesium was 11 mM on d 1 and was highest on d 18 (13 mM). However, K was 31 mM on d 1, reached a high of 33 mM on d 3, and was lowest on d 19 (12 mM). These changes in concentration and previously reported volume changes suggest alterations in functional capacities of ionic transport mechanisms of secretory cell membranes in this species.
The Hodge–de Rham decomposition theorem and an application to a partial differential equation

The Hodge–de Rham Theorem is introduced and discussed. This result has implications for the general study of several partial differential equations. Some propositions which have applications to the proof of this theorem are used to study some related results concerning a class of partial differential equation in a novel way.
Intrahost mechanisms governing emergence of resistance-breaking variants of Potato virus Y

Abstract The emergence of resistance breaking (RB) variants starting from the avirulent Potato virus Y NN strain (PVY NN ) was analyzed after imposing different selective host constraints. Tobacco resistance to PVY NN is conferred by va in both NC745 and VAM genotypes, but VAM carries an extra resistance gene, va2 . RB-variants emerged only in NC745 and unexpectedly accumulated higher in the original host, tobacco B21, than the parental PVY NN . However, the recovery of RB-variants was interfered by PVY NN in mixed infections. Further analysis indicated that RB-variants also arose in tobacco VAM, but they were limited to subliminal local infections. Their inability to breakout was associated with absence of a mutational adaptation in the viral VPg gene, which implied a loss of fitness in tobacco B21. Altogether, the emergence of RB-variants was conditioned by inherited host constraints, interference by co-infecting avirulent virus genotypes, and fitness tradeoff of virus adaptations.
Differences in the Regulation of Fibroblast Contraction of Floating Versus Stressed Collagen Matrices

To learn more about the regulation of contraction of collagen matrices by fibroblasts, we compared the ability of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to stimulate contraction of floating and stressed collagen matrices. In floating collagen matrices, PDGF and LPA stimulated contraction with similar kinetics, but appeared to utilize complementary signaling pathways since contraction obtained by the combination of growth factors exceeded that observed with saturating concentrations of either alone. The PDGF-simulated pathway was selectively inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor KT5926. In stressed collagen matrices, PDGF and LPA stimulated contraction with different kinetics, with LPA acting rapidly and PDGF acting only after an ∼1-h lag period. Pertussis toxin, known to block signaling through the Gi class of heterotrimeric G-proteins, inhibited LPA-stimulated contraction of floating but not stressed matrices, suggesting that LPA-stimulated contraction depends on receptors coupled to different G-proteins in floating and stressed matrices. On the other hand, the Rho inhibitor C3 exotransferase blocked contraction of both floating and stressed collagen matrices. These results suggest the possibility that distinct signaling mechanisms regulate contraction of floating and stressed collagen matrices.