cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in the staging of synovial, epithelioid, and clear cell sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas generally have a ≤5% risk of lymph node metastasis, but synovial, epithelioid, and clear cell subtypes reportedly have a much higher risk. The utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients with these sarcoma subtypes is unknown. 29 patients with nonmetastatic synovial, epithelioid, and clear cell sarcomas who underwent SLNB were examined. Median age was 35 years (range 11–73 years), and 69% were male. Tumors were located in the lower extremity in 17 patients and the upper extremity in 12. The histological subtypes were synovial sarcoma in 16 patients, epithelioid sarcoma in 10, and clear cell sarcoma in 3. All patients had a staging chest computed tomography (CT) scan, none of which were suspicious, and 20 patients had staging positron emission tomography (PET) scans (16 negative, 3 indeterminate, and 1 suspicious). All patients had resection of their primary tumor. At least one sentinel node was found in 28 patients (97%), and the median number of sentinel nodes identified was 2 (range 1–4). One patient had a positive sentinel node on routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and developed lung metastases. Two patients had positive sentinel nodes following immunohistochemical staining, and both remain disease free despite not undergoing completion lymphadenectomy. One patient developed a lymph node metastasis after a negative SLNB. For patients with these sarcoma subtypes without radiological evidence of nodal or distant metastases, the incidence of occult lymph node metastasis is relatively low. Determining utility of SLNB may require a multicenter trial.
Differential expression of two β-amylase genes (Bmy1 and Bmy2) in developing and mature barley grain

Two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) β-amylase genes (Bmy1 and Bmy2) were studied during the late maturation phase of grain development in four genotypes. The Bmy1 and Bmy2 DNA and amino acid sequences are extremely similar. The largest sequence differences are in the introns, seventh exon, and 3′ UTR. Accumulation of Bmy2 mRNA was examined in developing grain at 17, 19, and 21 days after anthesis (DAA). One genotype, PI 296897, had significantly higher Bmy2 RNA transcript accumulation than the other three genotypes at all developmental stages. All four genotypes had Bmy2 mRNA levels decrease from 17 to 19 DAA, and remain the same from 19 to 21 DAA. Levels of Bmy1 mRNA were twenty thousand to over one hundred thousand times more than Bmy2 mRNA levels in genotypes Legacy, Harrington, and Ashqelon at all developmental stages and PI 296897 at 19 and 21 DAA. PI 296897 had five thousand times more Bmy1 mRNA than Bmy2 mRNA at 17 DAA. However, Bmy2 protein was not found at 17 DAA in any genotype. The presence of Bmy2 was immunologically detected at 19 DAA and was present in greater amounts at 21 DAA. Also, Bmy2 protein was found to be stored in mature grain and localized in the soluble fraction. However, Bmy1 protein was far more prevalent than Bmy2 at all developmental stages in all genotypes. Thus, the vast majority of β-amylase activity in developing and mature grain can be attributed to endosperm-specific β-amylase.
Changes in fibronectin mRNA splicing with in vitro passage.

Abstract Senescent human fibroblasts produce larger fibronectin molecules with altered binding properties. To determine if this change could involve alternative splicing of fibronectin precursor mRNA, we developed an approach using reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction to study fibronectin mRNA splicing at each of the three alternatively spliced regions. Two of the three regions showed changes with in vitro passage; incorporation of the ED-A region increased 8 fold.
Quantitative Estimation of IL-6 in Serum/Plasma Samples Using a Rapid and Cost-Effective Fiber-Optic dip-probe

A rapid and cost-effective combination tapered fiber-optic biosensor (CTFOB) dip-probe was used for quantitative estimation of interleukin (IL)-6 in serum/plasma samples. Sandwich immunoassay was used as the detection technique. Probes could successfully detect presence of IL-6 in two serum samples, non-neoplastic autoimmune patient (lupus) sample and lymphoma patient sample. The estimated amount of IL-6 in lupus patient sample was 4.8 ± 0.9 pM and in lymphoma patient sample was 2 ± 1 pM. It is demonstrated that the developed CTFOB dip-probe is capable of quantitative estimation of proteins in serum/plasma samples with high specificity.
Upregulation and redistribution of integrin α6β4 expression occurs at an early stage in pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression

Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are highly invasive cancers for reasons that are currently unclear. Here we sought to determine if the proinvasive integrin α6β4 may be related to pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumor progression. Expression of integrin α6β4 was analyzed via immunohistochemistry for the β4 subunit in normal pancreas, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, pancreatic adenocarcinomas and chronic pancreatitis. In normal pancreatic ducts, integrin α6β4 was noted only at the cell's basal interface with the basement membrane. In pancreatic adenocarcinomas, 92% (104/113) demonstrated overexpression of integrin α6β4 and altered localization to the cytoplasm and membranous regions. This pattern of expression was observed in all PanIN lesions as early as PanIN-1A, and was evident in lesions that were juxtapositioned to normal epithelium. In contrast, 93% (13/14) of chronic pancreatitis samples resembled the staining pattern of normal pancreas. When cancer was present in areas of chronic pancreatitis, this altered expression of α6β4 integrin identified the cancer. We conclude that integrin α6β4 is expressed only on the basal surface of ductal cells in normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis. During pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression, the α6β4 integrin is dramatically overexpressed and displays altered localization at the earliest stages of PanIN, thus representing an early event in pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression.
UPTAKE OF RADIOACTIVE CALCIUM ( 45 Ca) BY NEUTROPHILS (PMN) FROM HUMAN NEONATES

Abnormal chemotaxis, deformability, and lectin capping of neonatal PMN may be due to abnormal plasma membrane structure or function (eg, altered Ca uptake after pertubation). We studied 45Ca uptake by blood PMN from 45 neonates. PMN and 45Ca were incubated at 37°C. Basal 45Ca uptake plateaued after 15 min and resting samples were taken. PMN were then stimulated; 45Ca uptake increased for 15 min, and samples were taken. Samples were centrifuged through silicone oil with > 99.9% PMN and .05) in neonatal and control PMN after soluble stimuli (NaF and DMSO) or zymosan particles. Stimulated values (mean cpm) for neonates and controls were: NaF 113115 & 107421 (N=8); DMSO 164215 & 157944 (N=10); zymosan 2932 & 4380 (N=10). Neonatal PMN responded superiorly (P < .02) to FMLP; values were 4157 neonates vs 1297 controls. In conclusion, basal 45Ca uptake by resting neonatal PMN was significantly decreased. The importance of this finding is undefined. Neonatal PMN increased 45Ca uptake as well as or better than control PMN in response to several stimuli. Thus, abnormal membrane-dependent functions cannot be explained by failure of neonatal PMN to acquire extracellular calcium following stimulation.
The probability, size and uses of remittances from urban to rural areas in India

Abstract This paper examines the important determinants of the decision to remit and of the amount remitted by migrants in Delhi to their place of origin. The findings are compared with those obtained for Kenya by Knowles and Anker. The comparative exercise helps us to identify universal patterns of remittance behaviour from those which are time, place and sample specific. The paper also throws light on the validity of infering technological change in agriculture in rural areas from data on uses of remittances.
Management of Articular Cartilage Injuries in the Knee

Chondral injuries of the knee are a common source of disability in a military population. These lesions may limit activities of daily living and military duty requirements and may compromise the readiness of the individual and the unit. The ability to avoid or modify activities is often not an option in this population. At the US Air Force Academy, we treat active duty and retired patients, as well as their dependents. In addition, we care for over 4,400 cadets including athletes from 27 intercollegiate sports. This patient population presents a considerable experience with these injuries. Treatment of knee chondral lesions in our population begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Radiographic studies including x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans, and alignment films are often used in the preoperative plan. Lesions are characterized according to their size and surrounding environment, including quality of surrounding cartilage and mechanical alignment. Based on the preoperative evaluation, we use a variety of surgical techniques including microfracture, osteoarticular autograft and allograft transplantion, and autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Osteotomies are also used to correct malaligment when necessary. The postoperative regimen is specific and critical to the success of the procedure. With careful attention to preoperative workup, meticulous surgical technique, and compliance with a specific postoperative regimen, cadets and active duty members can recover from these injuries and return to activities including intercollegiate athletics, military readiness, and overseas deployment duties.
Faces of Fatigue: Ethical Considerations on the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition of undetermined etiology. CFS has been considered by some scholars (Ware and Kleinman 1992) to be a psychosomatic manifestation of sociocultural stress, while others have compared it to multiple sclerosis (Richman 2010) or traumatic brain injury (Bruno 2008). Although several neurological and neuroimmune disorder mechanisms have been proposed, the treatment of physiologically unaccounted-for fatigue often falls in the realm of psychiatry. By being placed in the in-between space of biomedicine, the patient's subjective experience of suffering is delegitimized. The Western medical mind/body dualism approach to disease does not leave room for a holistic explanation of this condition. Hence current treatment approaches are inefficient at both curing the pathology and legitimizing the validity of the patient's complaint through a nonstigmatizing diagnosis. This article takes a multifaceted approach in investigating ethical issues related to the CFS illness course. ...
Salvage procedure for infected noneroded artificial urinary sphincters.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We report our experience with removal, antiseptic irrigation and immediate reimplantation of infected noneroded artificial urinary sphincters.Materials and Methods: From April 1996 to October 2000, 8 patients with an infected artificial urinary sphincter underwent a total of 9 salvage operations. All patients underwent cystoscopy before salvage to ensure nonerosion of the sphincter cuff. All previously implanted material was removed, the wounds were copiously irrigated according to a 7 solution protocol and an identical new system was implanted. All patients were discharged home the following morning on oral antibiotics.Results: Followup was 5 to 66 months (mean 33). The predominant organisms cultured at salvage were gram-positive cocci. Time from implantation to salvage was from 2 weeks to 64 months (mean 13.7 months). Prostatectomy was the etiology of incontinence in all except 1 case. In 5 of the 8 men a double cuff system was placed and 3 underwent concurrent 3-piece inflatable penile...
Phenytoin concentrations in the human brain: An in vivo microdialysis study

We report the first human study of phenytoin concentration using in vivo microdialysis, which permits sampling the extracellular environment of the brain. This technique has been applied to patients undergoing intracranial electrode investigation for intractable epilepsy. By varying the rate of perfusion (from 2.5 to 0.25 microliters/min), it is possible to quantify the concentration of drug in the extracellular fluid (ECF), which reflects the concentration on the outer neuronal cell membrane. Samples were obtained from four catheters in two patients, in whom serum phenytoin (PHT) concentrations were held constant. Unbound serum concentrations were measured following ultrafiltration at 37 degrees C. In one patient, with left and right hippocampal probes, steady state ECF/unbound serum ratios were 87 and 84% respectively. In the second patient, with hippocampal and frontal probes, ECF/unbound serum ratios were 87 and 85% respectively. Flow rate for 50% maximal recovery averaged 1.65 microliters/min (1.5-1.7 microliters/min). We found that steady state ECF PHT concentrations corresponded closely to unbound serum concentrations. No differences are observed between different sites within the brain. Flow rates needed for equilibration of dialysate with the extracellular space were slower than reported for carbamazepine, but faster than those we found for carbamazepine-epoxide and valproate.
An examination of the intertemporal returns of patented inventions

Abstract This paper examines the intertemporal returns of patented inventions using estimates of patent value obtained from German employee inventors’ compensation records. The paper finds heterogeneity in the mean age and dispersion of the annual returns by technology and cumulative patent value. While the returns earned by most patents dissipate rapidly, high valued patents tend to receive significant returns through the latter part of the patent term. These high valued patents which account for the vast majority of the realized returns, further can be identified based on past returns, relatively early in the patent term. These findings suggest that while shortening the length of the patent term could substantially reduce realized returns, graduated maintenance fees may not adversely affect returns, as firms would be able to identify and selectively renew the subset of high valued patents.
Determination of the coefficients of an elastic seabed

An algorithm is described for finding the parameters of a one-layer elastic seabed which is based upon the Nelder-Mead simplex method for minimizing a function. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by testing it on a set of twelve sediments encompassing a wide range of values of the seabed parameters.
Secretion of the Thiocyanate Ion by the Nasal Gland of the Adelie Penguin

ANALYSIS of the secretion from the nasal gland of marine birds indicates that the secretory mechanism is highly specific for sodium and/or chloride. Only very small amounts of potassium, magnesium, or sulphate normally appear in the secretion1. It was therefore of interest to determine how the secretory mechanism would behave in the presence of an anion which has roughly the same physical–chemical properties as chloride.
Life-history habitat matching in invading non-native plant species

We briefly reviewed the literature on habitat matching in invading non-native plant species. Then we hypothesized that the richness and cover of native annual and perennial plant species integrate complex local information of vegetation and soils that would help to predict invasion success by similarly adapted non-native plant species. We tested these ‘life-history habitat matching’ relationships in 603 0.1-ha plots, including 294 plots in Colorado, which were relatively high for the cover of native perennial plant species, and for 309 0.1-ha plots in southern Utah, which were relatively high in the cover of native annual plant species. We found strong positive relationships between the richness and foliar cover for both native and non-native species, whether they were annual or perennial species (0.34 > r 2 < 0.53; P < 0.0001). We also found significant positive relationships between the cover of native annual species at a site and the richness (r 2 = 0.13; P < 0.0001) and the foliar cover (r 2 = 0.06; P < 0.0001) of non-native annual species. The proportion of non-native annual species in the flora of a plot also increased significantly with the foliar cover of native annual species. Conversely, the richness and cover of non-native annual species were significantly negatively associated with the foliar cover of native perennial species (r 2 = 0.05 and 0.06, respectively; P < 0.0001). The cover of non-native annual or perennial species was not significantly correlated with soil texture variables, %N, or %C. We conclude that there may be a high degree of life-history habitat matching by non-native annual species in these study sites. Information on native annual and perennial species richness and cover may help characterize the complex soils, climate, and disturbance environment in which similarly adapted non-native plant species establish and gain foliar cover.
Investigation of Conditions Giving Minimal Scrambling in the Synthesis of trans-Porphyrins from Dipyrromethanes and Aldehydes.

A diverse range of reaction conditions for the MacDonald-type 2 + 2 condensation of a 5-substituted dipyrromethane and an aldehyde has been studied with the goal of eliminating acid-catalyzed polypyrrolic rearrangement reactions in the synthesis of trans-porphyrins. A rapid screening method based on laser desorption mass spectrometry has enabled the degree of rearrangement to be examined as a function of the acid catalyst, reagent concentration, reagent stoichiometry, solvent, salts, and temperature. For condensations involving 5-mesityldipyrromethane, we identified reaction at 10 mM concentration in CH(2)Cl(2) with 17.8 mM TFA as optimal conditions for suppression of the rearrangement reaction. A synthetic procedure based on these conditions allowed the expedient synthesis of multigram batches of eight trans-porphyrins in 48-14% yield from 5-mesityldipyrromethane, with minimal chromatography. The same conditions were also effective for the synthesis of two trans-porphyrins derived from 5-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)dipyrromethane. Application of the same conditions to condensations involving 5-phenyldipyrromethane showed extensive rearrangement. Examination of a wide range of conditions showed that slow reactions are associated with less rearrangement. Two sets of conditions were identified that gave little or no scrambling: (1) condensation at 10 mM in MeCN at 0 degrees C with BF(3).Et(2)O catalysis in the presence of NH(4)Cl followed by DDQ oxidation and (2) condensation at 0.1 M in DMSO at 100 degrees C in the presence of NH(4)Cl (with no added acid catalyst) with air oxidation. Although yields are typically less than 10%, the elimination of the need to perform tedious chromatography improves the methodology available for the preparation of trans-porphyrins, derived from sterically unhindered dipyrromethanes.
Preliminary Results: Both High and Low Literacy Lung Transplant Patients Have Difficulty Adhering to and Interpreting Home Spirometry

Purpose Given the complexity of the lung transplant (LT) medical regimen, health literacy (HL) may significantly impact post-transplant outcomes. We present preliminary results regarding the ability of LT patients to understand and adhere with the medical regimen after LT. Methods and Materials We performed a mixed-methods study of LT patients. Subjects completed structured assessments and were sampled for qualitative interviews based on level of HL (Test of Functional HL in Adults) and self-reported medical adherence (Health Habits Assessment). Qualitative interviews included open-ended questions regarding facilitators and barriers to adherence. Results A total of 73 patients have been enrolled (response rate: 67%). Median (IQR) age was 61 (46, 68). Most participants were female (50%) and white (88%). Prevalence (95% CI) of low HL was 23% (14, 35). Patients with low and adequate HL reported not understanding the purpose of home spirometry (89% vs. 76%, ns) and not adhering to home spirometry monitoring (55% vs. 35%, ns) respectively. Both low and adequate HL subjects reported difficulty interpreting home spirometry values and few knew to call their coordinator with a 10% FEV1 drop. For example, when asked, “How do you decide when to call the nurse coordinator about your spirometer measurements?” a low HL subject responded: “I didn’t really realize that this spirometer would be telling you about the possibility [of] rejecting.” A subject with adequate HL said, “I think if it’s below, what is it…4? You’re in a range…and if you go too high or too low you call. I think my range was 4 to 5.” Conclusions More than 20% of LT patients had low HL. Both low and adequate HL patients had difficulty performing and understanding their home spirometry measurement. The results of this study demonstrate that better education regarding spirometry may be an important intervention to improve outcomes for all LT patients. We are currently underpowered to detect a difference between HL groups but continue to enroll patients in this study.
Regulation of insulin secretion and GLUT4 trafficking by the calcium sensor synaptotagmin VII.

Insulin regulates blood glucose by promoting uptake by fat and muscle, and inhibiting production by liver. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is mediated by GLUT4, which translocates from an intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. GLUT4 traffic and insulin secretion both rely on calcium-dependent, regulated exocytosis. Deletion of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 results in constitutive expression of GLUT4 at the plasma membrane. Inhibition of channel activity stimulated GLUT4 translocation through a calcium dependent mechanism. The synaptotagmins (Syt) are calcium sensors for vesicular traffic, and Syt VII mediates lysosomal and secretory granule exocytosis. We asked if Syt VII regulates insulin secretion by pancreatic β cells, and GLUT4 translocation in insulin-sensitive tissues mouse model. Syt VII deletion (Syt VII −/−) results in glucose intolerance and a marked decrease in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo. Pancreatic islet cells isolated from Syt VII −/− cells secreted significantly less insulin than islets of littermate controls. Syt VII deletion disrupted GLUT4 traffic as evidenced by constitutive expression of GLUT4 present at the plasma membrane of fat and skeletal muscle cells and unresponsiveness to insulin. These data document a key role for Syt VII in peripheral glucose homeostasis through its action on both insulin secretion and GLUT4 traffic.
Predicate path expressions

Path expressions are a tool for synchronization of concurrent processes. They are an integral part of the data abstraction mechanism in a programming language, and specify synchronization entirely in terms of the allowable sequences of operations on an object of the abstract data type. This paper describes an attempt to push the path expression synchronization construct along three dimensions - specification, verification, and implementation - into a useful theoretical and practical tool. We define Predicate Path Expressions (PPEs), which allow for a more convenient specification of many synchronization problems. The predicate is a powerful extension to path expressions that increases their expressiveness. We formally define the semantics of PPEs by a transformation to a corresponding nondeterministic program, thus allowing the use of known verification techniques for nondeterministic programs to be used for proving properties of the PPE and the data abstraction of which it is a part. We also describe our existing implementation, in Algol 68, of a data abstraction mechanism that incorporates PPEs.
Pelvic Castleman disease presenting as vaginal occlusion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Castleman disease is a lymphoreticular disorder, which may be clinically silent. However, systemic manifestations can occur, which include generalized adenopathy and life-threatening bronchiolitis obliterans. CASE: A woman presented with vaginal mucosal lesions recalcitrant to initial treatment efforts. Progression of the disease required hospitalization for pulmonary involvement. Castleman disease was diagnosed after extensive multidisciplinary evaluation and excision of a pelvic mass. The patient’s symptoms dramatically improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Castleman disease should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with paraneoplastic symptoms and a pelvic mass.
What's Driving Private Investment in Malaysia?: Aggregate Trends and Firm-Level Evidence

Private sector investment has been a key source of growth in Malaysia over the last three decades, but after an unprecedented decline in the wake of the Asian crisis it has remained sluggish in recent years. Using aggregate and firm-level data, this paper aims to explain these trends and their implications for Malaysia's investment and growth outlook. Aggregate data point to sustained overinvestment in the years prior to the Asian crisis and the role of shifts in investor perceptions as important determinants of the recent decline in private investment. Meanwhile, firm-level data suggest that low profitability, along with financing constraints affecting smaller firms and those in the services sector, has also been important.
The emergency physician and organ donation

The introduction of public funding for treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease has greatly increased the number of patients who can benefit from kidney transplantation. The emergency physician should be alert for the type of trauma victim suitable for organ donation. Moreover, it is important that the physician understand the concept of brain death so that the removal of organs can take place as soon as possible. Certain aspects of kidney maintenance can begin before death has been declared but the total care of the patient must remain foremost. Management of the precadaveric organ donor is identical to that of any patient in a life-threatening situation. In the cadaver stage, the main difference is an increase in fluid input. The emergency physician should be aware of state laws regarding brain death and permission from the next of kin to harvest an organ.
Fine particulate organic matter transport dynamics in a small Coastal Plain stream: influence of hydrology and channel morphology

Fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) represents a major component of stream organic matter budgets, and its dynamics greatly affect the productivity and metabolism of a stream community. FPOM transport dynamics has been well documented in high-gradient streams with rocky substrates, but information from low-gradient, sandy-bottom streams has been lacking. We estimated FPOM retention patterns in Payne Creek, a 2nd order Coastal Plain stream (USA), under naturally varying hydraulic conditions (discharge and velocity). Corn pollen, as an FPOM analogue, was released along with a conservative solute tracer and the particle retention coefficient (k p) was calculated by fitting the ratio of total pollen remaining in the water column against the longitudinal transport distance to an exponential decay model. Pollen k p (n = 4) ranged from 0.034 to 0.214 /m, and particle transport distance (S p) ranged from 4.7 to 29.7 m. The S p measured in Payne Creek was in the lowest range of previously reported values, and such rapid particle retention was attributed to the low channel slope and slow current velocity. S p was significantly correlated to water velocity and the channel friction factor, but not to discharge (Q). Two summer experiments conducted in contiguous stream segments resulted in the shortest (4.7 m) and longest (29.7 m) S p, despite the similar Q. This was attributed to the segment-scale channel alterations that occurred during the previous winter, which led to very different hydraulic conditions in the two stream segments. In Payne Creek, seasonal changes in hydrology and segment-scale variation in channel morphology were the main factors controlling FPOM transport and retention.
A FAMILIAL THYRO-CEREBRAL-RENAL SYNDROME: A NEWLY REC-ognized disorder

A brother and sister had renal, neurological and thyroid disease; both with normal mentality. The sister presented at one year of age with evidence of renal disease (BUN 35 mg/dl). At age 9 neurological deterioration, muscle wasting, ataxia and myoclonus developed. Diffuse goiter was present (T4 RIA 5.0 μg/dl; thyroid microsomal antibodies 1:100; I131 uptake 8% at 2 hours. Perchlorate discharge was 50%, indicating a possible organification defect). Sensorineural deafness was demonstrated. Platelets were low (20,000) and serum zinc was high (570 μg/dl). Hyperuricemia persisted (10.3 mg/dl). The condition progressed with generalized muscular weakness, hemiparesis, clonic-tonic seizures and increasing renal insufficiency. BUN was 120 mg/dl and serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dl. The discrepancy between BUN and creatinine persisted. Kidney biopsy and poat-mortem examination showed interstitial and tubular nephropathy with secondary glomerular sclerosis with negative immunofluorescence, simple colloid goiter and degenerative and focal demyelination of the cerebral white matter and extensive neuronal loss and demyelination of the cerebellum. The brother is 13 years old and has interstitial nephritis (two biopsies), slurred speech, headaches, thrombocytopenia, an abnormal EEC and goiter. Supported in part by The John W. Champion Center.
Phosphorylation of proline-rich, double band, acidic and post-Pb proteins of human saliva.

Abstract The Db (double band), Pa (acidic) and × ( non - Pa ) proteins of saliva, already shown to have a close genetic and biochemical relationship to the four Pr (proline-rich) proteins, were found to be phosphorylated. Confirming other work, the four Pr proteins were also shown to be phosphorylated. Although the parotid basic proteins (Pb) and the post-Pb (PPb) protein were previously found to show marked biochemical and immunological resemblances, the PPb protein was found to be phosphorylated whereas the Pb proteins were not.
Stochastic resonance in atomic optical bistability

Stochastic resonance (SR) is experimentally demonstrated in an atomic optical bistable system consisting of three-level atoms in $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-type configuration confined in an optical ring cavity. The optical bistable system with enhanced Kerr nonlinearity due to atomic coherence is driven by a periodic signal and a Gaussian white noise source with variable amplitude, and displays an improved output signal-to-noise ratio, a characteristic signature of SR. The measured results match qualitatively with the theoretical predictions of the generic model for the SR phenomenon.
Somatostatin-28, somatostatin-14 and somatostatin analogs: Effects on thermoregulation

Somatostatins, somatostatin-14, somatostatin-28, and desAA [D-Trp8]-somatostatin, with differential potencies, act in the brain to reverse chemical-induced hypothermia and to produce hyperthermia. Somatostatins are more potent and loger acting than prostaglandin E2 in producing hyperthermia. Hyperthermia, induced by somatostatins, is not prevented by previous treatment with the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin. Somtostatins given to obese ob/ob mice prevent development of lethal hypothermia and result in maintenance of euthermia. Continuous infusion of somatostatins results in desensitization to the hyperthermic effects of these peptides. Endogenous somatostatins may be involved in regulation of body temperature.
Implicit Second Order Weak Taylor Tau-Leaping Methods for the Stochastic Simulation of Chemical Kinetics

Abstract For biochemical systems, when some chemical species are represented by small numbers of molecules, discrete and stochastic approaches are more appropriate than continuous and deterministic approaches. The stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA), proposed by Gillespie, is a cardinal simulation method for the chemical kinetics. Because the SSA simulates every reaction event, the amount of the computational time is huge when models have many reaction channels and species. Therefore there have been many alternative algorithms whose goal is to improve the computational efficiency of the SSA. In this paper we use stochastic Taylor expansions to propose implicit second order weak Taylor tau-leaping methods for the stochastic simulation of chemical kinetics. These methods are motivated by the theory of weakly convergent discretizations of stochastic differential equations. Three different schemes of the second order weak Taylor tau-leaping methods are numerically tested to demonstrate the performance with accuracy.
Synthesis of monodisperse TiO2-paraffin core-shell nanoparticles for improved dielectric properties.

Core−shell structures of oxide nanoparticles having a high dielectric constant, and organic shells with large breakdown field are attractive candidates for large electrical energy storage applications. A high growth temperature, however, is required to obtain the dielectric oxide nanoparticles, which affects the process of core−shell formation and also leads to poor control of size, shape, and size-distribution. In this communication, we report a new synthetic process to grow core−shell nanoparticles by means of an experimental method that can be easily adapted to synthesize core−shell structures from a variety of inorganic−organic or inorganic−inorganic materials. Monodisperse and spherical TiO2 nanoparticles were produced at room temperature as a collimated cluster beam in the gas phase using a cluster-deposition source and subsequently coated with uniform paraffin nanoshells using in situ thermal evaporation, prior to deposition on substrates for further characterization and device processing. The para...
Removal of pesticide residue in cherry tomato by hydrostatic pressure

Abstract The reduction of Chlorpyrifos (CP) in cherry tomatoes by High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment was demonstrated and compared with other washing methods. CP is commonly used as a broad-spectrum insecticide in pest control, and high residual levels have been detected in vegetables. Samples were treated at several pressures (0.1–400 MPa) and at two temperatures (5 or 25 °C) for 30 min. The optimum HHP conditions for reducing CP were around 75 MPa at 5 °C, and the removal rate was about 75%. This removal rate is slightly higher than other treatments such as soaking in ethanol solution and ultrasonic, accompanied by no visual changes (color, size and shape) in appearance. Also, no toxic intermediates were identified in the extracts of the high-pressure treated cherry tomatoes under these experimental conditions. The present results indicate that HHP can be a useful choice for removing residual pesticides.
Ganymede's magnetosphere: Magnetometer overview

Ganymede presents a unique example of an internally magnetized moon whose intrinsic magnetic field excludes the plasma present at its orbit, thereby forming a magnetospheric cavity. We describe some of the properties of this mini-magnetosphere, embedded in a sub-Alfvenic flow and formed within a planetary magnetosphere. A vacuum superposition model (obtained by adding the internal field of Ganymede to the field imposed by Jupiter) organizes the data acquired by the Galileo magnetometer on four close passes in a useful, intuitive fashion. The last field line that links to Ganymede at both ends extends to ∼2 Ganymede radii, and the transverse scale of the magnetosphere is ∼5.5 Ganymede radii. Departures from this simple model arise from currents flowing in the Alfven wings and elsewhere on the magnetopause. The four passes give different cuts through the magnetosphere from which we develop a geometric model for the magnetopause surface as a function of the System III location of Ganymede. On one of the passes, Ganymede was located near the center of Jupiter's plasma disk. For this pass we identify probable Kelvin-Helmholtz surface waves on the magnetopause. After entering the relatively low-latitude upstream magnetosphere, Galileo apparently penetrated the region of closed field lines (ones that link to Ganymede at both ends), where we identify predominantly transverse fluctuations at frequencies reasonable for field line resonances. We argue that magnetic field measurements, when combined with flow measurements, show that reconnection is extremely efficient. Downstream reconnection, consequently, may account for heated plasma observed in a distant crossing of Ganymede's wake. We note some of the ways in which Ganymede's unusual magnetosphere corresponds to familiar planetary magnetospheres (viz., the magnetospheric topology and an electron ring current). We also comment on some of the ways in which it differs from familiar planetary magnetospheres (viz., relative stability and predictability of upstream plasma and field conditions, absence of a magnetotail plasma sheet and of a plasmasphere, and probable instability of the ring current).
Contrasting effects of alloantiserum and xenoantiserum on cell- -mediated lysis of tumor cells.

Abstract The effect of anti-EL-4 serum on antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) and cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) was studied in allogeneic and xenogeneic systems. Inbred strains of BALB/c mice and Lewis rats were immunized with EL-4 tumor cells. Using microcytotoxic assays of 51 Cr release from labeled EL-4 cells, complement-dependent cytolysis, ADCC, and CMC were determined. Complement-dependent cytolysis was observed in both systems. Although ADCC was demonstrated in both systems, the kinetics of cytolysis were different. Xenoantisera and alloantisera had opposite effects on CMC. Incubation of EL-4 target cells with BALB/c anti-EL-4 serum resulted in inhibition of CMC by immune BALB/c spleen cells. In contrast, treatment of EL-4 target cells with Lewis anti-EL-4 serum potentiated the CMC of immune Lewis spleen cells. It is thought that differences in the strength of response, antibody characteristics, and effector cells may determine the degree of inhibition or potentiation observed in these systems.
Suggestions for contributors to carbonates and evaporites

Except for discussions, all papers and notes must be preceded by an abstract. The abstract should be clear, interesting, and informative rather than descriptive or indicative. Avoid an abstract such as: “A detailed study of ripple marks has been made to compare the amplitudes with those of ripple marks from other areas farther south.” Instead indicate the main contribution of your study in specific terms: “The amplitude of ripple marks along the St. Regis coast ranges from — to — with a mean value of —. These values are significantly larger than those of ripple marks measured by others farther south.” The abstract should be a short, concise digest of the paper, not exceeding 200 to 250 words, and should be suitable for separate publication in an abstract journal. The abstract is unquestionably the most important part of the paper and generally the only section of the paper that is read carefully by most readers. Landes (1951) succinctly summed up the importance of the abstract, as follows: “The abstract is of utmost importance, for it is read by 10 to 500 times more people than hear or read the entire article. It should not be a mere recital of the subjects covered, replete with such expressions “is discussed” and “is described.” It should be a condensation and concentration of theessential qualities of the paper.”
Imaging of high-energy midfacial trauma: what the surgeon needs to know

Treatment goals in severe midfacial trauma are restoration of function and appearance. Restoration of function is directed at multiple organ systems, which support visual acuity, airway patency, mastication, lacrimation, smelling, tasting, hearing, and facial expression. Victims of blunt facial trauma expect to look the same after surgical treatment as before injury. Delicate soft tissues of the midface often make cosmetic reconstructive surgery technically challenging. Generally, clinical evaluation alone does not suffice to fully characterize facial fractures associated with extensive swelling, and the deeper midface is not accessible to physical examination. Properly performed computed tomography (CT) overcomes most limitations of presurgical examination. Thus, operative approaches and sequencing of surgical repair are guided by imaging information displayed by CT. Restoration of function and appearance relies on recreating normal maxillofacial skeletal anatomy, with particular attention to position of the malar eminences, mandibular condyles, vertical dimension and orbital morphology. Due to its pivotal role in surgical planning, CT scans obtained for the evaluation of severe midfacial trauma should be designed to easily depict the imaging information necessary for clinical decision making. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the facial skeletal buttress system; 2. Understand how the pattern of derangement of the buttress system determines the need for and choice of operative approach for repair of fractures in the middle third of the face; 3. Understand the role and importance of CT and CT reformations in the detection and classification of the pattern of buttress system derangement.
Instrumentation in the Field of Health Physics

Instruments for personnel protection from radiation exposure are described. Many new developments have been made, and photographs and brief descriptions of instruments are given.
Effects of inhaled acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde on blood pressure and heart rate.

The objectives of this study were to determine whether blood pressure and heart rate are affected by concentrations of acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde likely to occur in cigarette smoke and, if not, to determine the concentrations required in the inspired air to affect these parameters. In this study anesthetized rats inhaled varying concentrations of acetaldehyde (0.5–30 μg/ml) and propionaldehyde (3.0–200 μg/ml) for 1 min intervals while changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured. With acetaldehyde, significant (P < 0.01) increases were seen in blood pressure at concentrations of 3.0 μg/ml and above. Concentrations of 12 and 25 μg/ml significantly increased heart rate. Similar effects were seen with slightly higher concentrations of propionaldehyde. It appears that concentrations of acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde producing significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate are somewhat higher than those that would be encountered in cigarette smoking.
Cloning of chemically synthesized lactose operators II. EcoRI-linkered operators

Abstract A 40 base, mainly duplex DNA segment, with the following sequence has been synthesized by combination of chemical and enzymatic methods. It consists of a wild-type lactose operator sequence (boxed) bracketed by “linker” sequences which permit excision of the segment from plasmid vehicles by the EcoRI restriction endonuclease. This segment has been ligated into the pMB9 plasmid and the resulting operator plasmids used to transform E. coli K-12. Among the transformant products were strains carrying plasmids with one, two, three, or four operator segments in tandem. Derepression of the lactose operon effected by these plasmids in vivo as well as the lifetimes of complexes formed between repressor and these plasmids in vitro increase with increasing numbers of operators per plasmid.
Academic aptitude as a predictor of headache proneness during college: could headache be an outcome of low test scores?

Academic work as well as compensated employment has been found adversely associated with frequent headache; headache remains a costly disorder to the person and to society. However, little is known of factors—other than prior headache complaints—that may predict headache frequency over extended periods of time. Based on previous research, effortful task engagement appears to be a contributing factor to headache onset. This suggests that relatively stable attributes that are likely to affect effort expenditure may predict headache frequency over long intervals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictability of headache proneness in college-attending students by college aptitude tests administered in high school. Five hundred undergraduate students enrolled in a large public, urban university completed a number of questionnaires. Official admissions records of the college aptitude tests ACT (an acronym for the original test name, the American College Testing), SAT (the Scholastic Aptitude Test), and GPA (grade point average) were obtained and compared to the report of headache frequency. The ACT test mathematics predicted headache proneness in the hypothesized direction, while the ACT English test provided conflicting data; some evidence of gender differences was suggested. While nearly all research on headache and work effectiveness has considered headache to be a cause of reduced efficiency or productivity, this study suggests that a factor which presumably affects the ease of work completion (e.g., scholastic aptitude) may predict headache, at least in some cases within the “work” environment of academia.
Scattering and absorption cross sections of compounded spheres. I.Theory for external aggregation

The cross section for total scattering by clusters of spheres is derived from an integration, over a closed spherical surface, of the scattered Poynting flux associated with the different pairs of spheres in the ensemble. With the use of the addition theorem for vector spherical harmonics the integral can be evaluated analytically. The pairwise cross sections can be rearranged into an expression for the scattering cross section of sphere aggregates that is analogous to that obtained from Lorenz–Mie theory for a single sphere. The latter formulation, however, is more difficult to treat numerically than is the summation over pairwise cross sections.
A New Construction for Hamiltonian BRST Operators

In this paper, we describe a precise contracting homotopy which provides a new construction of Hamiltonian BRST operators with only three summands.
Antigone in Argentina: Griselda Gambaro's Antígona Furiosa

This article examines the ways in which Argentinean playwright Griselda Gambaro re‐shapes and re‐codes the Antigone myth to comment upon the political repression Argentina faced under military Juntas which ruled and terrorized the country from 1976–1983. In particular Gambaro conflates Sophocles’ Antigone with the Mothers of the Plaza deMayo, a group of women who openly opposed the Junta by marching in attempt to recover the bodies of their children who had been “disappeared. “By explicating the specific cultural context that informs the subject matter, this article de‐codes the play for a non‐Argentine audience and shows the ways in which Gambaro's play intersects with and critiques the Argentine society within which and for whom she writes.
Changing language policies and attitudes in autonomous Catalonia

The effects of language policies on the symbolic value of the linguistic repertoire merit consideration in needed studies of the consequences of language status planning. Since achieving political autonomy within Spain in 1979, Catalonia has instituted a number of policies, particularly in education, to enhance the status and use of Catalan. A matched guise test was conducted among students in Barcelona in 1980 and again in 1987 to gauge changes in attitudes toward Catalan and Castilian. Conflict between positive status and negative solidarity values of Catalan for nonnative speakers found in 1980 appears to be resolved in 1987. Three aspects of public language policy have attenuated ethnic constraints against nonnative use of Catalan, but further changes in social relations may be necessary to alter patterns of language choice. (Language attitudes, language policy, Catalonia)