bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Growth, Environmental Scarcity, and Conflict
Authors: Reuveny Rafael
Published: July 2002

The global population is expected to reach nine billion by 2050, intensifying “environmental scarcity,” a term used here to denote environmental degradation and pressure on renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Currently, environmental scarcity is more pronounced in less developed countries (LDCs) than in developed countries (DCs). Many argue that this scarcity is increasingly promoting armed conflicts in LDCs. The conventional solution to the problem of environmental conflict is economic growth. It is argued that as LDCs' income per capita rises to the level ofthat of DCs, their population growth and environ mental scarcity will decline, preventing conflict and building peace. This paper illustrates that the growth approach to conflict prevention probably will not work because the biosphere most likely would not be able to support a DC-level standard of living for all the people on Earth, at least not at the current state of technology. The resulting intensification of pressures on natural resources is likely to induce more, not less, environmental conflict. Still, economic growth in LDCs is important on both moral and practical grounds. One could make economic growth in LDCs ecologically—and therefore politically—feasible by balancing it with a coordinated economic contraction in DCs. The difficulties associated with implementing this approach are discussed. I believe that the approach will probably be rejected by DCs in the short run, but might eventually be initiated in response to some global ecological-social-political crisis. The problem is that such a crisis also might result in extensive damages. Whether or not such damages could be alleviated would depend on the nature ofthe crisis and the extent of the damages up to that point.
NAIVE SENSUALISM, DOCTA IGNORANTIA. TIBETAN LIBERATION THROUGH THE SENSES
Authors: Tokarska-Bakir Joanna
Published: July 2002

Liberations through the senses are the soteriological practices of the Tibetan Buddhists, a counterpart to and an elaboration on what in Europe is occasionally described, somewhat contemptuously, as "rattling off one's prayers". Linked with folk beliefs and rituals and labelled "naive sensualism" in European ethnographic terminology, Tibetan "liberation through senses" are all those religious behaviours (as well as related sacred objects) - such as listening to and repeating mantras, circumambulation of stūpas, looking at sacred images, tasting relics, smelling and touching sacred substances - which are accompanied by a belief that sensual contact with a sacred object (sculpted figure, painting, mandala, stūpa, holy man, tree, mount, book, substance, etc.) can give one hope and even certainty of achieving liberation. This study argues against ethnological conclusion, classifying such a kind of behaviour as a typical example of non-reflective folk-religiousness. The text is concerned with an in-depth interpretation of "liberations through the senses." The soteriological idea of endless repetition, associated with the process of destroying the discursive consciousness, is projected on the background of comparative religion. Subsequently, the full soteriological cycle, beginning with rattling off prayers and ending with "a borderline experience," is traced in the Tibetan and other religious materials.
LIFE IN THE SHADOWS: THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF ISAAC IN GENESIS—SYNCHRONIC AND DIACHRONIC READINGS
Authors: Boase Elizabeth
Published: July 2002

Arising out of the observation of the seemingly insignificant status of Isaac in the ancestral narrative of Genesis xii-xxxvi, this study explores the role and function of Isaac in Genesis. Two contrastive readings are applied to the Isaac material: one synchronic focussing on the characterisation of Isaac in those episodes in which he appears in the narrative; and a diachronic analysis focussing on the extant Isaac traditions in Genesis xxvi. Both readings support a subordination of Isaac to Abraham, but differ in their understanding of how this subordination takes place. Both readings agree that the outcome of the subordination of Isaac is the transfer of the promises to Isaac, thus providing the basis for the promises to continue into subsequent generations. In becoming the recipient of the promises, Isaac becomes the crucial, proto-typical link between Abraham and the future generations of Israel.
THE GREAT WORK UNDERWAY
Authors: Rasmussen Larry
Published: July 2002

Abstract The Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, Baguio, Luzon, The Philippines, is Berry's "Great Work" already underway. The mountain knob at the intersection of Marcos Highway and Santo Tomas Road is home to the Center for the Integrity of Creation, the Environmental Theater, the Fourteen Stations of the Cosmic Journey on the grounds, and the Bio-Shelter and its own cosmic journey in the stained glass of the chapel. The entire complex, spirituality, and eco-justice work is the new amidst the old, often the new resurrected from the old. It is ancient and avant-garde at once, the transformation of deep Christian traditions now as Earth-honoring faith. Thomas Berry's stamp is clearly here, yet this is Filipino in art, architecture, and spiritual expression. Local community is integral to Earth - and cosmos - as the comprehensive community. The Sanctuary already embodies the transition from "the human devastation of Earth" to a time "when humans [are] present to the planet in a mutually beneficial manner" (p. 3, The Great Work).
DIE Q-REKONSTRUKTION DES INTERNATIONALEN Q-PROJEKTS: EINFÜHRUNG IN METHODIK UND RESULTATE
Authors: Heil Christoph
Published: July 2002

Zunächst sollen die wichtigsten Stationen der Q-Forschung genannt werden—von der Formulierung der Q-Hypothese bis zum gegenwärtigen Stand der Diskussion. Im Hauptteil werden zunächst die Methodik des Internationalen Q-Projekts (IQP), seine Ziele, Voraussetzungen und Arbeitsweise erläutert. Dann werden die Resultate des Projekts in Form der Reihe Documenta Q und der Critical Edition of Q vorgestellt. Abschließend werden fünf Konsequenzen für die neutestamentliche Exegese formuliert, die sich m.E. aus der Arbeit des IQP ergeben haben.
ORGANES GENITAUX, COPULATION ET FECONDATION CHEZ SYNISOMA MEDITERRANEA REZIG, 1989 (ISOPODA, VALVIFERA)
Authors: Rezig  , Khelil C. El Hedfi-Bel Haj
Published: July 2002

This study of the reproduction in Synisoma mediterranea shows that the species is gonochoristic and shows a sexual dimorphism. Both males and females have a dorsal genital system. The genital system consists of two symmetrical parts formed by the gonads, the genital ducts, and the endocrine formations. The copulation takes place after a pre-copulation period. The eggs are fertilized in the ovary; they develop in the marsupium. Incubation lasts 1 month, after which the young leave the brood pouch. Reproduction continues throughout the year, but the maximum of ovigerous females was observed in September, when the water temperature is around 25 C and salinity fluctuates between 36 and 371/2. L'etude de la reproduction chez Synisoma mediterranea a montre que cette espece est gonochorique, et possede un dimorphisme sexuel bien net. Chez le male et la femelle l'appareil genital est dorsal. Il est forme par deux parties symetriques qui se compose chacune d'une gonade, de conduits genitaux et de formations endocrines. La copulation s'effectue apres une phase precopulatoire. La fecondation des ovules se fait a l'interieur des ovaires. Les uufs se d eveloppent a l'interieur du marsupium. L'incubation dure 1 mois au bout duquel les jeunes quittent la poche incubatrice. La reproduction est continue tout le long de l'annee, cependant un maximum de femelles ovigeres a ete constate pendant le mois de septembre ou la temperature de l'eau est aux alentours de 25 C tandis que la salinite fluctue entre 36 et 371/2.
THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT DIETS ON THE FATTY ACID PROFILE OF THE FAIRY SHRIMP CHIROCEPHALUS RUFFOI COTTARELLI & MURA, 1984 (BRANCHIOPODA, ANOSTRACA)
Authors: Mura  , Delise  , Zarattini  , Fabietti  , Bocca
Published: July 2002

Nauplii of the anostracan Chirocephalus ruffoi were grown until sexual maturity under standard laboratory conditions (18 +/- 1 C; 12L/12D; 1600 lux light intensity) and fed ad libitum once a day on either an alga (Selenastrum capricornutum), baker's yeast, or a formulated diet. Both parents and cysts, as well as feeds were analysed for their fatty acid profiles and compared with wild adults and cysts. Significant differences (P < 0:05) were recorded among the different treatments. As far as total lipid content is concerned, a correlation was found between feeds and adult shrimps as well as between the latter and the cysts they produced during the different feeding tests. Significant differences (P < 0:05) were also recorded from a qualitative point of view. The results obtained provided evidence that the fatty acid profile of both fairy shrimps and cysts can be manipulated in order to improve their nutritional effectiveness, as it was previously shown in the case of the brine shrimp Artemia (Millamena et al., 1988; Lavens et al., 1989; Navarro & Amat, 1992) and of two other freshwater anostracan species (Mura et al., 1997a). Des nauplii de l'anostrace Chirocephalus ruffoi ont ete eleves jusqu'a maturite sexuelle dans des conditions standard de laboratoire (18 +/- 1 C, 12L/12D, 1600 lux d'intensite lumineuse) et nourris a volonte une fois par jour, soit avec une algue (Selenastrum capricornutum), soit avec de la levure de biere, soit avec une formule composee. Les adultes et les oeufs de duree, ainsi que les aliments, ont ete ensuite analyses quant a leur teneur et composition en acides gras et compares aux adultes et aux oeufs de duree sauvages. Des differences significatives (P < 0,05) ont ete notees suivant les differents traitements. En ce qui concerne le contenu total en lipides, une correlation a ete trouvee entre les aliments et les adultes ainsi qu'entre ces derniers et les oeufs de duree qu'ils produisent au cours des differents tests de nutrition. Des differences significatives (P < 0,05) ont ete observees d'un point de vue qualitatif. Les resultats obtenus mettent en evidence que le profil d'acides gras a la fois des anostraces et de leurs oeufs peut etre manipule dans le but d'ameliorer l'efficacite de la nutrition, comme il avait ete montre dans le cas d' Artemia (cf. Millamena et al., 1988; Lavens et al., 1989; Navarro & Amat, 1992) et de deux autres especes d'anostraces des eaux douces (Mura et al., 1997a).
DETECTION OF GENETIC VARIABILITY IN STYGOBITIC ISOPODS USING RAPD MARKERS
Authors: Filippo Carlotta De , Bazzicalupo Marco , Messana Giuseppe , Baratti Mariella
Published: July 2002

Three species of the stygobitic isopod genus Stenasellus have been described from Italy: Stenasellus racovitzai, S. nuragicus, and S. assorgiai. Recent electrophoretic data suggest the presence of more than one species in the "racovitzai"-group. In order to clarify the degree of genetic variability and the evolutionary trends in the "racovitzai-group, we have analysed three natural populations currently known from Italy and Corsica, by the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)" technique. RAPD has proven to be a rapid and valid method for the detection of intra and interspecific genetic polymorphism in Crustacea and to be suitable for the analysis of DNA of preserved samples. This technique was carried out to generate RAPD fingerprints from the populations of the five localities. The molecular data obtained by RAPD markers confirm previously obtained morphological and electrophoretic results. Trois especes du genre d'Isopodes stygobie Stenasellus ont ete decrite d'Italie: Stenasellus racovitzai, S. nuragicus et S. assorgiai. De recentes donnees electrophoretiques suggerent la presence de plus d'une espece dans le groupe "racovitzai. Afin de clarifier le degre de variabilite genetique et la tendance evolutionnaire dans ce groupe, nous avons analyse trois populations naturelles couramment connues d'Italie et de Corse par la technique "Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)". Cette technique s'est revelee une methode rapide et valable de detection du polymorphisme genetique intra- et interspecifique chez les Crustaces, et appropriee a l'analyse de DNA des echantillons conserves. Cette technique a ete effectuee pour produire les empreintes RAPD des populations des cinq localites. Les donnees moleculaires obtenues par les marqueurs RAPD confirment les resultats morphologiques et electrophoretiques precedemment obtenus.
ON A NEW SPECIES OF DEEP-WATER CRAB OF THE GENUS PROGERYON (DECAPODA, BRACHYURA, GERYONIDAE) FROM HAWAII
Authors: Guinot Daniele , Ng Peter
Published: July 2002

A new species of deep-water crab, Progeryon mus (Geryonidae), is described from Hawaii. The species is allied to P. guinotae from the Indian Ocean as well as P. vaubani and P. mararae from the Pacific, but can easily be separated by various carapace, ambulatory leg, and cheliped characters. Une nouvelle espece de crabe d'eau profonde, Progeryon mus (Geryonidae) est decrite des Hawao. L'esp ece est apparentee a P. guinotae, de l'ocean Indien, ainsi qu'a P. vaubani et P. mararae, du Pacifique, mais peut en etre facilement distinguee par divers caracteres de la carapace, des pattes ambulatoires et des chelipedes.
INTERSTITIAL CRUSTACEANS AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN FIVE RIVERS OF THE WESTERN HIGH ATLAS (MOROCCO)
Authors: Boutin  , Yacoubi-Khebiza  , Bovee F. De , Coineau
Published: July 2002

This short note is a synthesis of the results dealing with the distribution of interstitial groundwater fauna, especially crustaceans, related to groundwater quality and sediment grain size. The study is devoted to five rivers of the High Atlas in Morocco. Ce bref resume synthetise les resultats a propos de la repartition des communautes des eaux interstitielles souterraines, et plus particulierement des Crustaces, en relation avec la qualite de l'eau souterraine et la granulometrie des sediments, le long de cinq cours d'eau du Haut-Atlas (Maroc).
THE CARCINOLOGICAL WORK AND TAXA OF JAN HENDRIK STOCK (1931-1997)
Authors: Wagner
Published: July 2002

The 370 papers on carcinology published by the late Jan H. Stock are cited and annotated through a list of new taxa published in each paper. A short outline of the career of Jan Stock as a carcinologist and an impression of his personality are drawn. Les 370 travaux carcinologiques publies par le regrette Jan. H. Stock sont mentionnes et annotes, avec une liste des nouveaux taxa publies dans chaque article. Est egalement presente un court expose sur la carriere de Jan Stock en tant que carcinologiste, ainsi qu'un apercu de sa personnalite.
THE ROLE OF SERTOLI CELLS IN THE ORGANIZATION OF SPERM BUNDLES IN THE TESTIS OF SADURIA ENTOMON (LINNAEUS, 1758) (ISOPODA, VALVIFERA)
Authors: Hryniewiecka-Szyfter Zofia , Gabala Elzbieta , Babula Adam
Published: July 2002

Ultrastructural observations show that in Saduria entomon (L., 1758) sperm bundles are organized already in the testis, and that a crucial function in this process is played by Sertoli cells, whose protrusions are connected with maturing spermatids. The specific arrangement of maturing spermatids around a Sertoli cell protrusion and their turned-out tails lying centrally in channels reflect the arrangement of spermatozoa in a later bundle. One might assume, therefore, that the pattern along which sperm bundles are organized, which results from their specific structure, is made possible by the way in which the lumen of the testis is penetrated by protrusions of the Sertoli cells. A further role of the Sertoli cells is to produce and secrete matrix components and precursor material for extracellular tubules. Both structures are permanent elements of sperm bundles in isopods. In S. entomon extracellular tubules have a diameter of 80 nm, and their assembling proceeds in close contact with the membrane of a Sertoli cell protrusion. Des observations ultrastructurales montrent que, chez Saduria entomon (L., 1758), les masses spermatiques sont deja organisees dans le testicule et qu'un role crucial dans le processus est joue par les cellules de Sertoli, dont les protrusions sont connectees avec les spermatides en maturation. L'arrangement specifique de ces dernieres autour d'une protrusion de cellule de Sertoli et de leurs queues retournees en position centrale dans les canaux reflete l'arrangement des spermatozoodes dans une masse ulterieure. On peut de ce fait presumer que le modele suivant lequel les masses spermatiques sont organisees, et qui resulte de leur structure specifique, est rendu possible par la facon par laquelle les protrusions des cellules de Sertoli penetrent le testicule. Un autre role des cellules de Sertoli est de produire et de secreter les composants de la matrice et le materiel precurseur pour les tubules extracellulaires. Les deux structures sont des elements permanents des masses spermatiques chez les isopodes. Chez S. entomon, les tubules extracellulaires ont un diametre de 80 nm, et leur assemblage s'effectue en etroit contact avec la membrane d'une protrusion de cellule de Sertoli.
Embryonic lineage evolution in nematodes
Authors: Coomans August , Borgonie Gaëtan , Jacobsen Kim
Published: July 2002

Because of the high number of species and its ancient roots in evolution, the phylum Nematoda is well suited for comparative embryonic study. Using 4D microscopy we have reconstructed the embryonic lineages of several nematodes. This allows us to identify changing developmental strategies in the phylum Nematoda. Generally there has been a shift in the phylum from a non-determined, non-strict development to a faster, highly determined embryonic development. En raison du nombre élevé d’espèces et de ses racines anciennes dans l’évolution, le phylum Nematoda est bien approprié à des études d’embryologie comparée. A l’aide d’un microscope 4D, les lignages embryonnaires de plusieurs nématodes ont été reconstruits. Cela nous a permis d’identifier les modifications de stratégie développementales dans le phylum. Généralement, il y a eu un changement dans le phylum depuis un développement non déterminé et non précis jusqu’à un développement embryonnaire très rapide et hautement déterminé.
Outcrop characterization of reservoir quality and interwell-scale cement distribution in a tide-influenced delta, Frontier Formation, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Dutton S. P. , Willis B. J. , White C. D. , Bhattacharya J. P.
Published: July 2002

Petrographic study of the Frewens sandstone, Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation, documents reservoir-scale diagenetic heterogeneity. Iron-bearing calcite cement occurs as large concretions that generally follow bedding and are most common near the top of the sandstone. Median thickness of the concretions is 0.6 m, length 4.5 m, and width 5.7 m; median volume is 5.2 m3. Concretions comprise 12% of the sandstone.

The minus-cement porosity of concretion samples is low, indicating that the calcite precipitated near maximum burial depth. Isotopic and burial history data suggest that the calcite precipitated at ~54°C from evolved meteoric water enriched in 18O or from a mixed meteoric±marine pore-water. Shell-bearing transgressive shales above the Frewens sandstone are interpreted to be the source of calcium carbonate. Concretions of this size and distribution would influence fluid flow in a reservoir and would reduce the amount of hydrocarbons in place.
Evidence of structural Fe(II) ions in Font-Bouillant kaolinites: a Mössbauer study
Authors: Ruby C. , Refait Ph. , Génin J.-M. R. , Delineau T. , Yvon J.
Published: July 2002

Ferric oxides or hydroxides are common minor components of kaolinites. If free, these minerals can be removed by Fe reduction and leaching (Mehra & Jackson, 1960), but Fe3+ions can substitute for Al3+ions in the octahedral sites of kaolinite (Weaveret al., 1967; Malden & Meads, 1967). Moreover, Fe2+ions can also substitute trioctahedrally in place of dioctahedral Al, leading to a local composition of Fe-antigorite (Cuttler, 1980).

The Font-Bouillant quarry (Charentes, France) is the source of disordered kaolinite known as ‘FU7, U-7-10 or FBT’ (Caseset al., 1982, 1986). The samples used in this study were considered in an earlier genetic analysis of the deposit (Delineau, 1994; Delineauet al., 1994) and were analysed previously by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-visible spectroscopy by Delineauet al. (1994) (Table 1).
Three-dimensional study on the interconnection and shape of crystals in a graphic granite by X-ray CT and image analysis
Authors: Ikeda S. , Nakano T. , Nakashima Y.
Published: July 2002

The technique of investigating 3-dimensional interconnections and the shapes of crystals in a rock by X-ray computerized tomography (CT) and image analysis was developed using a graphic granite specimen as an example. Fifty 2-dimensional tomographic images (slices) of the graphic granite were obtained ‘non-destructively’ using a medical X-ray CT scanner. Since a CT value of the specimen was decreased with increasing cross-sectional sample area by the effect of beam-hardening, the CT value was corrected using the area of each slice. Binary images of the slices were made comparing one of them with a thin-section of the slice. Using the binary images, connection analysis of quartz rods in the graphic granite specimen was performed on the basis of percolation theory (cluster labelling). This analysis showed that at least 89.9% of the quartz rods were connected in three dimensions. Furthermore, the 3-dimensional shape of the quartz rods was analysed using the 2-point correlation function calculated from the binary images. The average shape of the quartz rods was obtained by fitting an ellipsoid to the high-value region of the 2-point correlation function. The elongation axis of the ellipsoid agreed well with the crystallographic c-axes of the quartz rods.
A single crystal, linearly polarized Fe 2p X-ray absorption study of gillespite
Authors: Schofield P. F. , van der Laan G. , Henderson C. M. B. , Cressey G.
Published: July 2002

The Fe 2p X-ray absorption spectra of single crystal gillespite, BaFeSi4O10, show a strong linear dichroism, i.e. a large difference in the absorption when measured with the polarization of the X-rays either parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the FeO4 group. The isotropic spectrum, obtained from measurement at the ‘magic angle’, and the polarization dependent spectra have been compared to atomic multiplet calculations and show an excellent agreement with theory. Analysis of the branching ratio, the linear dichroism, and the detailed peak structure confirms that the 5A1 level is the ground state at room temperature and pressure. The 5B2 level is sufficiently low in energy that a distortion of the electronic charge density, induced by increased pressure, may result in a 5B2 ground state.
Reciprocal expression of CD38 and CD34 by adult murine hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Tajima Fumihito , Deguchi Takao , Laver Joseph H. , Zeng Haiqun , Ogawa Makio
Published: July 2002

The effects of activation of adult murine stem cells on their expression of CD38 were studied using a murine transplantation model. First, the published finding that the majority of long-term engrafting cells from normal adult steady-state marrow are CD38+ was confirmed. Next, it was determined that the majority of stem cells activated in vivo by injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor are CD38−. Stem cells that were activated in culture with interleukin-11 and steel factor were also CD38−. Previous studies have shown that expression of CD34 by adult stem cells is also modulated by in vivo or in vitro activation. To determine whether there is reciprocal expression of CD38 and CD34, 4 populations of post–5-FU marrow cells were analyzed. The majority of the stem cells were in the CD38−CD34+ fraction. However, secondary transplantation experiments indicated that when the bone marrow reaches steady state, the majority of the stem cells become CD38+CD34−. In addition, the minority populations of CD34+ stem cells that occur in steady-state bone marrow are CD38−. This reversible and reciprocal expression of CD38 and CD34 by murine stem cells may have implications for the phenotypes of human stem cells.
Prophylactic platelet transfusions from healthy apheresis platelet donors undergoing treatment with thrombopoietin
Authors: Goodnough Lawrence T. , Kuter David J. , McCullough Jeffrey , Slichter Sherrill J. , DiPersio John , Romo John , Peterson Randolph , Smith Kenneth J. , Raife Thomas , Tomita Dianne , Armstrong Susan
Published: July 2002

Many patients receiving dose-intensive chemotherapy acquire thrombocytopenia and need platelet transfusions. A study was conducted to determine whether platelets harvested from healthy donors treated with thrombopoietin could provide larger increases in platelet counts and thereby delay time to next platelet transfusion compared to routinely available platelets given to thrombocytopenic patients. Community platelet donors received either 1 or 3 μg/kg pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) or placebo and then donated platelets 10 to 15 days later. One hundred sixty-six of these platelet concentrates were then transfused to 120 patients with platelets counts 25 × 109/L or lower. Pretransfusion platelet counts (11 × 109/L) were similar for recipients of placebo-derived and PEG-rHuMGDF–derived platelets. Early after transfusion, the median platelet count increment was higher in patients receiving PEG-rHuMGDF–derived platelets: 19 (range, −12-66) × 109/L, 41 (range, 5-133) × 109/L, and 82 (range, −4-188) × 109/L for placebo-, 1-μg/kg–, and 3-μ/kg–derived platelets, respectively. This difference was maintained 18 to 24 hours after transfusion. Transfusion-free intervals were 1.72, 2.64, and 3.80 days for the recipients of the placebo-, 1-μg/kg–, and 3-μ/kg–derived platelets, respectively. The rate of transfusion-related adverse events was not different in recipients of placebo-derived and PEG-rHuMGDF–derived platelets. Therefore, when transfused into patients with thrombocytopenia, platelets collected from healthy donors undergoing thrombopoietin therapy were safe and resulted in significantly greater platelet count increments and longer transfusion-free intervals than platelets obtained from donors treated with placebo.
Changes in health and disease of the metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor
Authors: Mannucci Pier Mannuccio , Canciani Maria Teresa , Forza Ileana , Lussana Federico , Lattuada Antonella , Rossi Edoardo
Published: July 2002

Congenital or immunomediated deficiencies of the metalloprotease that cleaves physiologically von Willebrand factor (vWF) reduce or abolish the degradation of ultralarge vWF multimers that cause the formation of intravascular platelet thrombi in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). There is little knowledge on the behavior of the protease in other physiological and pathologic conditions. Such knowledge is important to evaluate the specificity of low protease plasma levels in the diagnosis of TTP. Using an enzyme immunoassay, the protease was measured in 177 control subjects of different ages, in 26 full-term newborns, and in 69 women during normal pregnancy. Because TTP is often associated with multiorgan involvement and acute phase reactions, clinical models of these pathologic conditions were also investigated, including decompensated liver cirrhosis (n = 42), chronic uremia (n = 63), acute inflammatory states (n = 15), and the preoperative and postoperative states (n = 24). Protease levels were lower in healthy persons older than 65 than in younger persons. They were low in newborns but became normal within 6 months, and they were lower in the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy than in the first. Protease levels were also low in patients with cirrhosis, uremia, and acute inflammation, and they fell in the postoperative period. There was an inverse relation between low protease and high plasma levels of vWF antigen and collagen-binding activity. In conclusion, low plasma levels of the vWF cleaving protease are not a specific beacon of TTP because the protease is also low in several physiological and pathologic conditions.
Homing efficiency, cell cycle kinetics, and survival of quiescent and cycling human CD34+ cells transplanted into conditioned NOD/SCID recipients
Authors: Jetmore Anna , Plett P. Artur , Tong Xia , Wolber Frances M. , Breese Robert , Abonour Rafat , Orschell-Traycoff Christie M. , Srour Edward F.
Published: July 2002

Differences in engraftment potential of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in distinct phases of cell cycle may result from the inability of cycling cells to home to the bone marrow (BM) and may be influenced by the rate of entry of BM-homed HSCs into cell cycle. Alternatively, preferential apoptosis of cycling cells may contribute to their low engraftment potential. This study examined homing, cell cycle progression, and survival of human hematopoietic cells transplanted into nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) recipients. At 40 hours after transplantation (AT), only 1% of CD34+ cells, or their G0(G0CD34+) or G1(G1CD34+) subfractions, was detected in the BM of recipient mice, suggesting that homing of engrafting cells to the BM was not specific. BM of NOD/SCID mice receiving grafts containing approximately 50% CD34+ cells harbored similar numbers of CD34+ and CD34− cells, indicating that CD34+ cells did not preferentially traffic to the BM. Although more than 64% of human hematopoietic cells cycled in culture at 40 hours, more than 92% of cells recovered from NOD/SCID marrow were quiescent. Interestingly, more apoptotic human cells were detected at 40 hours AT in the BM of mice that received xenografts of expanded cells in S/G2+M than in recipients of G0/G1 cells (34.6% ± 5.9% and 17.1% ± 6.3%, respectively; P < .01). These results suggest that active proliferation inhibition in the BM of irradiated recipients maintains mitotic quiescence of transplanted HSCs early AT and may trigger apoptosis of cycling cells. These data also illustrate that trafficking of transplanted cells to the BM is not selective, but lodgment of BM-homed cells may be specific.
Sequential Biochemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma: Results From a Phase III Randomized Trial
Authors: Eton Omar , Legha Sewa S. , Bedikian Agop Y. , Lee J. Jack , Buzaid Antonio C. , Hodges Cynthia , Ring Sigrid E. , Papadopoulos Nicholas E. , Plager Carl , East Mary Jo , Zhan Feng , Benjamin Robert S.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: The addition of cytokines to chemotherapy has produced encouraging results in advanced melanoma. In this phase III trial, we compared the effects of chemotherapy (cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine [CVD]) with those of sequential biochemotherapy consisting of CVD plus interleukin-2 and interferon alfa-2b.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Metastatic melanoma patients who had not previously received chemotherapy were stratified by prognostic factors and given chemotherapy or biochemotherapy. CVD consisted of dacarbazine (days 1 and 22) and cisplatin and vinblastine (days 1 to 4 and 22 to 25). Biochemotherapy involved CVD with vinblastine reduced 25% plus interleukin-2 by 24-hour continuous infusion (on days 5 to 8, 17 to 20, and 26 to 29) and interferon alfa-2b by subcutaneous injection (on days 5 to 9, 17 to 21, and 26 to 30). Response was assessed every 6 weeks.

RESULTS: Among 190 patients enrolled, 91 were assessable for biochemotherapy and 92 for chemotherapy. Ten percent of the patients were alive a median of 52 months from start of therapy. Response rates were 48% for biochemotherapy and 25% for chemotherapy (P = .001); six patients given biochemotherapy and two given chemotherapy had complete responses. Median time to progression (TTP) was 4.9 months for biochemotherapy and 2.4 months for chemotherapy (P = .008); median survival was 11.9 and 9.2 months, respectively (P = .06). The influence of treatment on TTP and survival was confirmed in multivariate analyses with other prognostic factors not included in the original stratification. Biochemotherapy produced substantially more constitutional, hemodynamic, and myelosuppressive toxic effects.

CONCLUSION: Cytokines substantially augment the antitumor activity of chemotherapy at the expense of considerable toxicity in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Adjuvant Immunotherapy of Resected, Intermediate-Thickness, Node-Negative Melanoma With an Allogeneic Tumor Vaccine: Impact of HLA Class I Antigen Expression on Outcome
Authors: Sosman Jeffrey A. , Unger Joseph M. , Liu P.-Y. , Flaherty Lawrence E. , Park Min S. , Kempf Raymond A. , Thompson John A. , Terasaki Paul I. , Sondak Vernon K.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: An association between expression of ≥ two of five HLA class I antigens (HLA-A2, HLA-A28, HLA-B44, HLA-B45, and HLA-C3; collectively called M5) and response to an allogeneic melanoma vaccine (Melacine; Corixa Corporation, Seattle, WA) has been described in stage IV melanoma. This study investigated whether class I antigen expression impacted relapse-free survival (RFS) after adjuvant therapy with this vaccine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) serotyping on patients enrolled onto Southwest Oncology Group Trial 9035, a randomized, observation-controlled, phase III trial of adjuvant Melacine. All patients had clinically node-negative cutaneous melanoma (1.5 to 4.0 mm). Interactions between treatment and class I antigen expression were tested. Analyses involved all serotyped patients and were adjusted for tumor thickness, method of nodal staging, sex, ulceration, and primary tumor site.

RESULTS: HLA typing was performed on 553 (80%) of the 689 enrolled patients (294 vaccinated and 259 observed). Expression of ≥ two M5 antigens was associated with a superior vaccine treatment effect. Among patients who matched ≥ two of the M5, the 97 vaccine-treated patients had improved RFS compared with the 78 observation patients (5-year relapse-free survival, 83% v 59%; P = .0002). The major components of this effect were contributed by HLA-A2 and HLA-C3. Among those who were HLA-A2–positive and/or HLA-C3–positive, the 5-year RFS for vaccinated patients was 77%, compared with 64% for observation (P = .004). There was no impact of HLA-A2 and/or HLA-C3 expression among observation patients.

CONCLUSION: This prospective analysis indicates a highly significant benefit of adjuvant therapy with Melacine among patients expressing ≥ two of the M5 class I antigens, validating a prior observation in stage IV disease. HLA-A2 and HLA-C3 contributed most to this effect. Processed melanoma peptides found in Melacine may be presented by HLA-A2 and HLA-C3 and play a role in preventing relapse in vaccinated patients.
Association of Depressive Syndrome and Early Deaths Among Patients After Stem-Cell Transplantation for Malignant Diseases
Authors: Loberiza Fausto R. , Rizzo J. Douglas , Bredeson Christopher N. , Antin Joseph H. , Horowitz Mary M. , Weeks Jane C. , Lee Stephanie J.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: The association of depression and increased mortality in the general population, and also various medical conditions, is well documented. However, depression is not well studied in the setting of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). We examined the association between depressive syndrome and survival after HSCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 193 patients who received autologous or allogeneic HSCT from Brigham and Women’s Hospital or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute were evaluated prospectively. The self-rated Likert-scaled symptom checklist, the SF-36, and the Spitzer Quality of Life Index Scale were administered. Outcomes evaluated included survival and quality of life.

RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (35%) satisfied the criteria for depressive syndrome. The 1-year probability of survival for the depressed and nondepressed patients was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74% to 92%) and 94% (95% CI, 89% to 97%), respectively (P = .04). In multivariable modeling, depressed patients have a three-fold greater risk of dying than nondepressed patients (95% CI, 1.07 to 8.30; P = .04) between 6 and 12 months after HSCT after adjusting for other prognostic factors. Global inferiority in quality of life was observed in the depressed cohort when last measured at 24 months after transplantation.

CONCLUSION: Depressive syndrome after HSCT is associated with decreased survival, at least from 6 to 12 months after transplantation. Persistence of this association after controlling for possible confounding factors suggests that depression may be more than simply a marker for concurrent ill health. This study raises an interesting hypothesis as to whether psychological or pharmacologic intervention for depression after HSCT can improve survival and/or quality of life.
Autologous Transplantation for Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Results of a Randomized Trial Evaluating Graft Source and Minimal Residual Disease
Authors: Vose Julie M. , Sharp Graham , Chan Wing C. , Nichols Craig , Loh Kevin , Inwards David , Rifkin Robert , Bierman Philip J. , Lynch James C. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Kessinger Anne , Armitage James O.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To determine whether the source of autologous hematopoietic stem cells altered the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) for aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 105 high-risk, persistent, or relapsed NHL patients slated for an autologous HSCT entered onto this trial, 93 eligible patients were randomized to receive cytokine-naive autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) (n = 46) or mobilized peripheral-blood stem-cell transplantation (PBSCT) (n = 47). All patients received carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and cyclophosphamide as the conditioning regimen. PBSCT patients also received identical mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) 10 μg/kg/d, and both groups received G-CSF 5 μg/kg/d after the infusion of the stem-cell product until neutrophil engraftment.

RESULTS: PBSCT patients had significantly faster engraftment of all cell lineages: median time to absolute neutrophil count ≥ 500/μL, 10 days versus 13 days on the ABMT arm; median time to platelet count greater than 20,000/μL untransfused, 11 days versus 15 days on the ABMT arm; and median time to RBC transfusion independence, 8 days versus 16 days on the ABMT arm. The complete response rate was 72% for PBSCT and 54% for ABMT. The death rate before posttransplant day 100 was 2% on the ABMT arm and 6% on PBSCT arm. Event-free survival was 37% for PBSCT and 37% for ABMT. However, overall survival for PBSCT was 61% compared with 43% for ABMT.

CONCLUSION: Patients with aggressive NHL receiving HSCT randomized to PBSCT demonstrated improved neutrophil engraftment and platelet and RBC transfusion independence. The complete response rate and EFS were not statistically different by randomization arm. Patients whose harvests were positive for minimal residual disease by molecular analysis had poorer EFS.
Behavioral Economics to Enhance Food Is Medicine Programs
Authors: Volpp Kevin G. , Lamberton Cait
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint highlights ways in which behavioral economics could enhance Food Is Medicine programs in the US.
WHO says there's a critical gap worldwide for SUD treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2024

In its Global Status Report on alcohol, health, and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) released last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented a dim picture of how alcohol policies and SUD treatment are failing. The report is based on data collected by WHO from Member States and organized in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) health target 3.5, which calls on countries to strengthen “the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.” The report proposes a new service capacity index for these disorders as an additional contextual indicator for monitoring progress in this domain and concludes with broad directions for international action to accelerate progress towards achievement of SDG health target 3.5.
Anisotropic Magnon Transport in Van Der Waals Ferromagnetic Insulators
Authors: Cui Qirui , Bai Xiaocheng , Delin Anna
Published: July 2024

Details on anisotropic magnon dispersion in van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnetic insulators CrPS4 and CrSBr are reported, driven by anisotropic Heisenberg exchange couplings arising from in‐plane broken crystal symmetry. The anisotropic magnon dispersion contributes to longitudinal and transverse magnon currents generating the anisotropic spin Seebeck effect (ASSE) and the thermal Hall effect (THE) accompanied with spin Nernst effect (SNE), requiring neither external magnetic field nor Berry curvature. In CrPS4, the ASSE exhibits a very large anisotropy ratio of over 100% as the thermal gradient along different main axes, and this ratio can be further tuned by temperature or a gate current. The THE and SNE unconstrained by spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) emerge when the thermal gradient is not parallel to the main axis, characterized by a large Hall angle ≈ 0.4. Compared to CrPS4, CrSBr exhibits a more limited anisotropic magnon transport owing to the less variation in magnon group velocities along different main axes. Moreover, the reversed magnitude relationship of magnon group velocities leads to the transverse magnon current being oriented in the opposite direction. These findings identify low‐symmetry vdW magnetic materials as a promising framework for generation and manipulation of anisotropic magnon transport, relevant for spincaloritronic devices in the ultrathin regime.
Time‐Dependent Wrinkle Pattern Based on Photo‐Controlled Stress Relaxation for Multi‐Level Information Encryption and Information Camouflage
Authors: Zhang Luzhi , Jiang Xuesong
Published: July 2024

Stimuli‐responsive surfaces have garnered intensive research attention in addressing the challenges of severe information leakage problems, but they exhibit limitations in terms of intricate preparation and compatibility. Herein, the study reports a time‐dependent wrinkled surface controlled by photo‐induced stress relaxation of azobenzene‐ containing crosslinked polymer network comprised of furan‐containing polymer (PEA‐Fu) and maleimide‐substituted azobenzene (AZO‐2MI) as skin layer. Two kinds of wrinkled surfaces induced by two crosslinked networks (thermal‐ and UV‐induced) can be prepared by Diels‐Alder reaction and UV‐induced radical coupling reaction, exhibiting distinct amplitude decrease rate resulted from different stress relaxation rate induced by photo‐isomerization of azobenzene. By UV preprogramming with photomasks, various time‐dependent wrinkle patterns are obtained and can be identified at specific times under 450 nm irradiation. The time window for information read out can be preset through different UV preprogramming time and boundary conditions to achieve multi‐level information encryption. Furthermore, the written information can be camouflaged as another “false” information by regional‐selective irradiation under 450 nm irradiation, which offers a new method for information protection. Based on distinctive time‐dependent characteristics and excellent stability, this responsive wrinkled surface offers bright prospects in multi‐level information encryption.
Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide‐Derived Nanoparticles Protect Visual Function by Inhibiting RGC Ferroptosis and Microglial Activation in Retinal Ischemia‒Reperfusion Mice
Authors: Ni Yueqi , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhu Lijia , Jiang Xulin , Zhang Hong , Liu Jia , Zhao Yin
Published: July 2024

Retinal ischemia‒reperfusion (IR) is a major contributor to vision impairment and irreversible vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury or loss. Contemporary therapeutic approaches predominantly focus on the amelioration of symptoms rather than addressing the fundamental etiological factors. Oxidative stress is a notable feature and an important mediator of IR damage. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the main active ingredient of Lycium barbarum, has various pharmacological effects, including antioxidation, immunoregulation, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, the ROS‐consumable moiety phenylboronic acid pinacol ester (PBA) is introduced to LBP molecules, which can self‐assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution. This nanoparticle (termed PLBP) can reduce the cellular ROS levels and enhance the antioxidant capability of RGCs by activating the NRF2 pathway, thus protecting RGCs from ferroptosis and preserving visual function in response to IR injury. PLBP also reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting the ability of microglia to phagocytose, migrate, secrete inflammatory cytokines, and activate the NF‐κB pathway. In conclusion, this approach can be used as an inspiration for the future development of neuroprotective drugs.
SENP1‐Mediated HSP90ab1 DeSUMOylation in Cardiomyocytes Prevents Myocardial Fibrosis by Paracrine Signaling
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Bian Xiyun , Li Lan , Liu Li , Feng Chao , Wang Ying , Ni Jingyu , Li Sheng , Lu Dading , Li Yanxia , Ma Chuanrui , Yu Tian , Xiao Xiaolin , Xue Na , Wang Yuxiang , Zhang Chunyan , Ma Xiaofang , Gao Xiumei , Fan Xiaohui , Liu Xiaozhi , Fan Guanwei
Published: July 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers a poor ventricular remodeling response, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the authors show that sentrin‐specific protease 1 (SENP1) is downregulated in post‐MI mice and in patients with severe heart failure. By generating cardiomyocyte‐specific SENP1 knockout and overexpression mice to assess cardiac function and ventricular remodeling responses under physiological and pathological conditions. Increased cardiac fibrosis in the cardiomyocyte‐specific SENP1 deletion mice, associated with increased fibronectin (Fn) expression and secretion in cardiomyocytes, promotes fibroblast activation in response to myocardial injury. Mechanistically, SENP1 deletion in mouse cardiomyocytes increases heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1 (HSP90ab1) SUMOylation with (STAT3) activation and Fn secretion after ventricular remodeling initiated. Overexpression of SENP1 or mutation of the HSP90ab1 Lys72 ameliorates adverse ventricular remodeling and dysfunction after MI. Taken together, this study identifies SENP1 as a positive regulator of cardiac repair and a potential drug target for the treatment of MI. Inhibition of HSP90ab1 SUMOylation stabilizes STAT3 to inhibit the adverse ventricular remodeling response.
Mid‐Infrared Photoacoustic Stimulation of Neurons through Vibrational Excitation in Polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Du Zhiyi , Li Mingsheng , Chen Guo , Xiang Maijie , Jia Danchen , Cheng Ji‐Xin , Yang Chen
Published: July 2024

Photoacoustic (PA) emitters are emerging ultrasound sources offering high spatial resolution and ease of miniaturization. Thus far, PA emitters rely on electronic transitions of absorbers embedded in an expansion matrix such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Here, it is shown that mid‐infrared vibrational excitation of C─H bonds in a transparent PDMS film can lead to efficient mid‐infrared photoacoustic conversion (MIPA). MIPA shows 37.5 times more efficient than the commonly used PA emitters based on carbon nanotubes embedded in PDMS. Successful neural stimulation through MIPA both in a wide field with a size up to a 100 µm radius and in single‐cell precision is achieved. Owing to the low heat conductivity of PDMS, less than a 0.5 °C temperature increase is found on the surface of a PDMS film during successful neural stimulation, suggesting a non‐thermal mechanism. MIPA emitters allow repetitive wide‐field neural stimulation, opening up opportunities for high‐throughput screening of mechano‐sensitive ion channels and regulators.