cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atypical Cellular Blue Nevus With Necrosis Mimicking Melanoma Ex-Blue Nevus.

ABSTRACT Histologic distinction between melanoma ex-blue nevus and cellular blue nevus (CBN) can often be difficult, but features supporting melanoma include infiltrative growth pattern, frequent mitoses, cytologic atypia and pleomorphism, cell crowding, and tumor necrosis. Unfortunately, these features are not constantly dependable and frequently borderline lesions exist, so-called atypical CBN, which lack explicit malignant features. Furthermore, some CBN and atypical CBN show an assortment of features, which may lead to their misdiagnosis as melanoma, but to date necrosis is generally absent. We present an unusual case of an atypical cellular blue nevus with extensive necrosis mimicking melanoma ex-blue nevus.
Unbiased Microbiome and Metabolomic Profiling of Fecal Samples from Patients with Melanoma

Gut microbiota influence and modulate host immune responses. In preclinical cancer models, mice lacking gut microbiota have a markedly diminished response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Further, in melanoma patients, specific commensal gut microbiota have been associated with a positive clinical response to immunotherapy. In order to study the gut microbiome and metabolome, we have developed methods for fecal sample collection and processing, microbiome and metabolome profiling, and bioinformatic analysis. This protocol will be a useful tool for interrogating the taxonomic composition and functional output of a melanoma patient's gut microbiome.
Jigsaw: A Data Storage and Query Processing Engine for Irregular Table Partitioning

The physical data layout significantly impacts performance when database systems access cold data. In addition to the traditional row store and column store designs, recent research proposes to partition tables hierarchically, starting from either horizontal or vertical partitions and then determining the best partitioning strategy on the other dimension independently for each partition. All these partitioning strategies naturally produce rectangular partitions. Coarse-grained rectangular partitioning reads unnecessary data when a table cannot be partitioned along one dimension for all queries. Fine-grained rectangular partitioning produces many small partitions which negatively impacts I/O performance and possibly introduces a high tuple reconstruction overhead. This paper introduces Jigsaw, a system that employs a novel partitioning strategy that creates partitions with arbitrary shapes, which we refer to as irregular partitions. The traditional tuple-at-a-time or operator-at-a-time query processing models cannot fully leverage the advantages of irregular partitioning, because they may repeatedly read a partition due to its irregular shape. Jigsaw introduces a partition-at-a-time evaluation strategy to avoid repeated accesses to an irregular partition. We implement and evaluate Jigsaw on the HAP and TPC-H benchmarks and find that irregular partitioning is up to 4.2×faster than a columnar layout for moderately selective queries. Compared with the columnar layout, irregular partitioning only transfers 21% of the data to complete the same query.
Development and Validation of a Simulation Model-Based Clinical Decision Tool: Identifying Patients Where 21-Gene Recurrence Score Testing May Change Decisions

PURPOSEThere is a need for industry-independent decision tools that integrate clinicopathologic features, comorbidities, and genomic information for women with node-negative, invasive, hormone rece...
Stage- and sex-specific transcriptome analyses reveal distinctive sensory gene expression patterns in a butterfly

Background Animal behavior is largely driven by the information that animals are able to extract and process from their environment. However, the function and organization of sensory systems often change throughout ontogeny, particularly in animals that undergo indirect development. As an initial step toward investigating these ontogenetic changes at the molecular level, we characterized the sensory gene repertoire and examined the expression profiles of genes linked to vision and chemosensation in two life stages of an insect that goes through metamorphosis, the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Results Using RNA-seq, we compared gene expression in the heads of late fifth instar larvae and newly eclosed adults that were reared under identical conditions. Over 50 % of all expressed genes were differentially expressed between the two developmental stages, with 4,036 genes upregulated in larval heads and 4,348 genes upregulated in adult heads. In larvae, upregulated vision-related genes were biased toward those involved with eye development, while phototransduction genes dominated the vision genes that were upregulated in adults. Moreover, the majority of the chemosensory genes we identified in the B. anynana genome were differentially expressed between larvae and adults, several of which share homology with genes linked to pheromone detection, host plant recognition, and foraging in other species of Lepidoptera. Conclusions These results revealed promising candidates for furthering our understanding of sensory processing and behavior in the disparate developmental stages of butterflies and other animals that undergo metamorphosis.
Myelopathy Secondary to Vitamin B12 Deficiency Induced by Nitrous Oxide Abuse.

Nitrous oxide (N2O), a colorless gas known to have abuse potential, can induce vitamin B12 deficiency that eventually leads to peripheral neuropathy, central nervous demyelination, and myelopathy. N2O abuse has rarely caused subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord despite being reported in a few studies. Although numerous published studies have demonstrated the toxic effects of N2O abuse, it is still a controversial topic of debate among neurologists. We outline a case of a patient presenting with acute onset of numbness who was ultimately diagnosed with myelopathy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency induced by nitrous oxide abuse. This case report emphasizes the early diagnosis and management of vitamin B12 deficiency to prevent the severe complications associated with it.
A Rare Case of Burkitt’s Lymphoma Presenting with Features Mimicking Vogt Koyanagi Harada Disease (921)

Objective: We report a case of Burkitt’s lymphoma in an HIV positive patient presenting with features suggestive of Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease (VKHD). We describe a rare presentation of lymphoma that would prevent misdiagnosis and promote early recognition. Background: A 25-year-old male initially presented with right eye pain and blurry vision. He was found to have bilateral serous retinal detachments and was diagnosed with VKHD and started on prednisone. He stopped taking the prednisone, and his vision worsened. He then developed right eye ptosis, restricted eye movements, nausea, vomiting, headache, dysphagia, tongue deviation, and slurred speech. MRI showed diffuse cranial nerve enhancement. He was found to be positive for HIV and Hepatitis A with CD4 count of 41. Lumbar puncture showed WBC 83 (94% lymphocytes), RBC 1460, glucose 62, and protein 195, with EBV positivity and negative cytology. Gd1a antibody was positive (72). He underwent empiric treatment with IV methylprednisolone for possible VKHD exacerbation, followed by empiric IVIG for possible AIDP. He subsequently developed diffuse limb weakness and loss of reflexes, and he was treated with PLEX. He demonstrated minimal response to treatment. EMG was unrevealing, and MRI of the cervical and lumbar spine showed diffuse nerve root thickening and enhancement. He underwent an EGD for continued dysphagia, and biopsy was positive for an aggressive B cell lymphoma strongly favoring Burkitt’s lymphoma. Design/Methods: NA Results: NA Conclusions: VKHD is a rare condition diagnosed based on retinal exam findings. There have been anecdotal reports of lymphoma cases that present with symptoms of VKHD. To our knowledge, this is the first case of lymphoma initially presenting with these retinal findings. Understanding this potential presentation of lymphoma is essential for early diagnosis and treatment and for optimizing patient outcomes. Disclosure: Dr. Tadipatri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Muley has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with CSL Behring, Alexion, Speakers Bureau, Takeda.
A Commodity Production Model with Operational Flexibility of Investing Optional Capacity on Offshore Platforms

We study the problem of operational flexibility on capacity investment of an oil producer. Our decision-maker operates only on land fields and has option to extend operations to offshore oil platforms. The operational flexibility arises from the ability to invest on offshore fields. Our main goal is to integrate offshore platforms from the chemical and petroleum engineering literature, and capacity investment from operations management literature. We use a mixed integer programming solution approach and set a basic model to analyse the value of operational flexibility. Our main contribution is to provide an operational flexibility option to the problem of oil drilling.
The present-day status of noninvasive cervical carcinoma.

Abstract Four years ago we 1 presented before this Society a paper which concerned itself with the minimal histologic changes in the cervical biopsy which would justify a diagnosis of carcinoma. Our observations followed those of Schottlander and Kermauner, 2 who noted a thin layer of carcinoma extending over the surface, surrounding advanced cervical cancer. They also followed the epochal work of Schiller, 3, 4 who first conceived the idea that surface carcinoma could be the beginning of invasive cancer. He described many cases without evidence of invasion in which cellular changes in the surface epithelium were found that were identical to those of invasive cancer. When we undertook our study it appeared to us that there was not sufficient evidence in the literature to justify completely the belief that these intraepithelial changes were precursors of invasive cervical carcinoma. To elucidate this point, we made a comparative histologic study of the biopsy specimens showing malignant changes in the surface epithelium and the ultimate specimens of the cervices removed at hysterectomy. The cervices were cut into several blocks and sections made from different levels in a search for evidence of invasion. In fifteen of the sixteen cervices removed, histologic evidence of invasion was found. Since our publication of 1944, we have continued to collect histologic and clinical evidence concerning this subject and it would seem that we have amassed sufficient data to crystallize our ideas on diagnosis and treatment. This paper is presented before this Society to give our conclusions based on a much wider experience and also with the hope of stimulating discussion concerning this subject.
Controlling for Causality in the Link from Income to Mortality

While previous research shows that wealthier people tend to live longer, it is not clear whether this occurs because wealthy people make greater investments in health and safety or because inherently healthy people tend to make more money. This article uses measures of initial health to focus on the flow from wealth to good health. While the estimated link between income and mortality is less than in other articles, we find that a significant link still remains. In particular, we estimate that health and safety regulations, which cost more than $12.2 million per life saved, are likely to kill more people through increased poverty than they save directly. Estimates of costs per life saved provided by the Office of Management and Budget suggest that many health and safety programs implemented in the last 20 years would be eliminated using this criterion.
Single System Image for a Network of Processors

Support of distributed data processing, especially in a local area network, requires major modifications and extensions of existing operating system structures to provide,for example, automatic data set exchange, remote spooling, and terminal passthrough. Most of these facilities can be considered under the common goal of achieving a single system image for a network of processors.
Metabolism in vivo of connective-tissue mucopolysaccharides: III. Chondroitin sulfate and keratosulfate of cartilage

Abstract The incorporation of glucose into the hexosamine moieties of cartilage mucopolysaccharides has been studied. Isotope appears in the galactosamine moiety of the light mucoprotein fraction first and rapidly disappears from this fraction with an accompanying appearance of isotope in the insoluble residue. Chondroitin sulfate accounts for about 80% of the total polysaccharide and appears to be relatively inert metabolically. Appearance of label in chondroitin sulfate prior to keratosulfate suggests that these polysaccharides do not represent part of the same macromolecular structure. This latter point is not established. The effect of several hormones on the incorporation and turnover of isotope in this tissue was also reported.
Colonization of Venus

Although the surface of Venus is an extremely hostile environment, at about 50 kilometers above the surface the atmosphere of Venus is the most earthlike environment (other than Earth itself) in the solar system. It is proposed here that in the near term, human exploration of Venus could take place from aerostat vehicles in the atmosphere, and that in the long term, permanent settlements could be made in the form of cities designed to float at about fifty kilometer altitude in the atmosphere of Venus.
Hepatic Bmal1 Regulates Rhythmic Mitochondrial Dynamics and Promotes Metabolic Fitness

Mitochondria undergo architectural/functional changes in response to metabolic inputs. How this process is regulated in physiological feeding/fasting states remains unclear. Here we show that mitochondrial dynamics (notably fission and mitophagy) and biogenesis are transcriptional targets of the circadian regulator Bmal1 in mouse liver and exhibit a metabolic rhythm in sync with diurnal bioenergetic demands. Bmal1 loss-of-function causes swollen mitochondria incapable of adapting to different nutrient conditions accompanied by diminished respiration and elevated oxidative stress. Consequently, liver-specific Bmal1 knockout (LBmal1KO) mice accumulate oxidative damage and develop hepatic insulin resistance. Restoration of hepatic Bmal1 activities in high-fat-fed mice improves metabolic outcomes, whereas expression of Fis1, a fission protein that promotes quality control, rescues morphological/metabolic defects of LBmal1KO mitochondria. Interestingly, Bmal1 homolog AHA-1 in C. elegans retains the ability to modulate oxidative metabolism and lifespan despite lacking circadian regulation. These results suggest clock genes are evolutionarily conserved energetics regulators.
Inhibition of human platelet and neutrophil function by piriprost (U-60,257)

Abstract Platelets and neutrophils are important in determining the extent of myocardial injury following coronary occlusion. The detrimental effects of these blood elements are mediated in part via release of arachidonate metabolites and oxidative species. A new selective inhibitor of leukotriene formation, piriprost (U-60,257), has been observed to decrease both neutrophil accumulation in the myocardium and infarct size following coronary ligation in experimental animals. Since piriprost may have clinical use, we examined its effects on human platelet and neutrophil functions. This compound was found to exert potent inhibitory effects on epinephrine-induced human platelet aggregation and TXA2 biosynthesis (IC50 0.04μM). Piriprost also inhibited human neutrophil chemotaxis, oxidative species release, aggregation, and LTB4 synthesis with IC50 of 0.1, 0.04, 10 and 14 μM, respectively. Thus, piriprost inhibits a variety of human platelet and neutrophil functions. Because of its suppressive effects on human platelet and neutrophil functions and protective effects in experimental myocardial infarction, this agent may have clinical applications.
Understanding the Fine Print: The Need for Effective Testing of Mandatory Mortgage Loan Disclosures

Prior research indicates that mandatory disclaimers increase consumer confusion and lead to inferior decisions. The authors examine the implications of these findings in the context of mandatory disclosures required by federal law for mortgage loan transactions. Research suggests that consumers can be confused when too much information is presented or disclosure information is too complex but falls short of concluding that all mandatory disclaimers increase consumer confusion and lead to inferior decisions. The literature lacks conclusive evidence of the effects of disclosures on decisions and outcomes, such as loan choice or performance, and research examining the role of disclosures in light of other social, contextual, or informational influences is scarce. Longitudinal, experimental evidence that controls for these factors is necessary to examine the effects of disclosures on decision quality. Better-designed research in this area could lead to significant improvements in public policy and consumer protection and result in a more efficient allocation of public resources.
Tritium release from beryllium discs and lithium ceramics irradiated in the SIBELIUS experiment

The SIBELIUS experiment was designed to obtain information on the compatibility between beryllium and ceramics, as well as beryllium and steel, in a neutron environment. This experiment comprised irradiation of eight capsules, seven of which were independently purged with a He/0.1% H{sub 2} gas mixture. Four capsules were used to examine beryllium/ceramic (Li{sub 2}O, LiAlO{sub 2}, Li{sub 4}SiO{sub 4}, and Li{sub 2}ZrO{sub 3}) and beryllium/steel (Types 316L and 1.4914) compacts. Isothermal anneal experiments have been run on representative beryllium and ceramic disks from each of the four capsules at 550{degrees}C to 850{degrees}C in steps of 100{degrees}C. The results indicate that tritium release from the beryllium did not exhibit burst release behavior, as previously reported, but rather a progressive release with increasing temperature. Generally, {approximately}99% of the tritium was released by 850{degrees}C. Tritium release from the ceramic discs was quite similar to the behavior shown in other dynamic tritium release experiments on lithium ceramics. The tritium content in beryllium discs adjacent to a steel sample was found to be significantly lower than that found in a beryllium disc adjacent to a ceramic sample. Recoil of tritium from the ceramic into the beryllium appears to be the source of tritium entering themore » beryllium, probably residing in the beryllium oxide layer.« less
A block in glycoprotein processing correlates with small plaque morphology and virion targetting to cell-cell junctions for an oral and an anal strain of herpes simplex virus type-1.

The characteristics of two clinical isolates of HSV-1 obtained from an oral (424) and an anal (490) lesion were compared with the highly passaged KOS strain. In contrast to KOS, the clinical isolates produced small plaques, were more cell-associated and the predominant viral glycoprotein species for gC and gD in infected cell lysates was the precursor, high mannose glycoform. Total virus production in Vero cells was equivalent for the three virus strains in one-step growths. Pulse-chase studies of glycoprotein C processing showed a reduction in rate at 7.5h post infection and a significant block in processing at 10.5h post infection for 424 and 490 but not KOS. Similar results were obtained for gD. The significant reduction in glycoprotein processing for 424 and 490 suggests a block in transport of viral glycoproteins or virions to and through the Golgi apparatus. Extracellular virions and the cell surface, prior to cell lysis, contained the processed gC glycoform suggesting a competent cellular glycan processing system. Upon co-infection of 424 or 490 with KOS or a gC− KOS strain, gC was processed to levels equivalent to KOS indicating that 424 and 490 are not inhibitory but that an activity(s) encoded by KOS facilitates maturation of gC from 424 and 490. Unlike KOS infected Vero cells, virion-containing vacuoles were observed in the cytoplasm at 12h p.i. and extracellular virions were concentrated at cell-cell junctions of 424 or 490 infected cells but not in the perinuclear region. These results suggest that intracellular transport of viral glycoproteins and virions in 424 and 490 infected cells is different from KOS infected cells. The reduced level of viral glycoprotein maturation, virus release, cell surface presence and presence of virions at cell-cell junctions are consistent with small plaque production in tissue culture cells.
Investigation of electronic packaging materials by using a 6-axis mini thermo-mechanical tester

Most existing mechanical testers are at most bi-axial and in general too large for microelectronic materials and structures. Existing mini testers are primarily single axis without any active specimen alignment monitoring and adjustment capability. Fundamental investigation needs to be conducted for packaging materials in terms of deformation and fracture processes, constitutive laws, and failure quantities. In this paper, a unique 6-axis sub-micron thermo-mechanical fatigue tester is described, including some calibration work for both load cell and machine stiffness. For the first time, an active specimen alignment monitoring and adjustment was demonstrated on a single lap shear sample, assisted by a high resolution laser moire measurement system. This paper also presents results for two types of polymer films, one lead-free solder alloy, and some other conventional materials. In particular, deformation and failure mechanisms for two polymer films have been discussed.
Surface curvature analyzed with a grid-reflection technique

A method to determine the curvature of a reflective surface is described. The image of a grid network reflected from the surface is photographed. The magnification of the grid is used to obtain the curvature over the entire reflective surface. Two practical examples are reported: a curved mirror with irregularities and a reinforced rubber slab.
“Freedom for the Thought That We Hate”: Why Westboro Had to Win

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes’ belief that the Constitution calls for the principle of free thought—“not free thought for those who agree with us but freedom for the thought that we hate”—was severely tested when the father of a fallen Marine sued members of the Westboro Baptist Church who picketed near his son's funeral service. Consistent with its traditions and precedents, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 8-1 that the First Amendment protected church members’ offensive speech from tort liability. In ruling as it did, the Court properly chose to consider only the case elements it was presented, refused to create a new category of unprotected speech, and in turn eroded the reach of intentional infliction of emotional distress in speech-related cases. “The Court is out of the business of creating new categories of unprotected speech. Get over it.” 1 Kathleen Sullivan, attorney and former dean, Stanford University Law School, remarks at Communication Law in the Digital Age conference of the Pra...
Increased risk of reported pertussis and hospitalization associated with pertussis in low birth weight children

Objectives: To determine whether low birth weight (LBW) children are at greater risk of reported pertussis and complications of pertussis in the first 2 years of life than are normal birth weight (NBW) children. Study design: We performed a secondary analysis of three data sets containing statewide information among Wisconsin residents for children born between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 1990. We identified all reported cases of pertussis among children younger than 2 years of age and linked this information with birth certificate data and hospitalization data to determine the relative risk of reported pertussis in LBW compared with NBW children. We also compared the frequency of reported complications of pertussis in LBW and NBW children. Results: We analyzed reports of 549 pertussis cases; 49 cases occurred in LBW children. The LBW children were significantly more likely to have reported pertussis than were NBW children (relative risk 1.86; 95% confidence interval 1.33, 2.38). The rates of pneumonia and seizures did not differ among LBW and NBW children; however, LBW children with reported pertussis were significantly more likely to be hospitalized than were NBW children (relative risk 1.40; 95% confidence interval 1.11, 1.69). Conclusion: In addition to timely vaccination of all infants, efforts are needed to determine additional ways to reduce the risk of pertussis among LBW infants and children.
Remelting phenomena in the process of splat solidification

A combined theoretical and experimental study is reported which investigates remelting phenomena during the splat cooling of two liquid-metal droplets impacting sequentially on a substrate. Under conditions of sufficiently high superheat it was proposed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally that an initial deposit is remelted by the subsequent impact of molten material. It is shown that the amount of superheat as well as the variation of thermophysical properties, particularly the latent heat and the melting temperature, influence the degree of remelting. Experimental findings supported to a certain extent the theoretical model assumptions that the splats could be represented by thin discs and that the heat transfer and solidification within the splat propagates in the axial direction only. However, the experiments showed that these assumptions are better suited for the central region of the splat. The occurrence of remelting often depended on the radial location for a given amount of superheat. For most part, the splat exhibited globular microstructure. Lamellar structures were observed near the top and the periphery of the splat, indicating slower cooling rates at these locations. The theoretical model constituted a good compromise between accuracy and simplicity and predicted the correct trends of the remelting phenomenon.
Identification of 4(-) states in the 14C(p,n)14N reaction at 135 MeV.

Neutron time-of-flight spectra were measured for the [sup 14]C([ital p],[ital n])[sup 14]N reaction at 135 MeV with the beam-swinger system at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility. Excitation-energy spectra and differential cross sections for the observed excitations in this reaction were extracted over the momentum transfer range from 0 to 2.5 fm[sup [minus]1]. The goal of this work is to identify the 4[sup [minus]] states in [sup 14]N and to determine the isovector transition strengths. The identification of the 4[sup [minus]] states is based on comparisons of the theoretical differential cross sections, performed in a DWIA formalism, with the experimental cross sections and with information from the [sup 14]C([ital e],[ital e][prime]) reaction. Isospin assignments are based primarily on comparisons of the measured ([ital p],[ital n]) and ([ital e],[ital e][prime]) isovector strengths. Candidate 4[sup [minus]] states are identified at excitation energies of 8.49 MeV ([ital T]=0), 13.76 MeV and 19.49 MeV ([ital T]=1), and 26.61 MeV ([ital T]=2) in the [sup 14]C([ital p],[ital n])[sup 14]N reaction, and the isovector strengths for the transitions leading to these states re extracted. The observed excitation energies and isovector strengths are in good agreement with the analog [ital T]=1 and [ital T]=2 4[sup [minus]] states observedmore » in the ([ital e],[ital e][prime]) reaction. The experimental results are compared with results from shell-model calculations.« less
Benign chondroblastoma.A study of 125 cases

Chondroblastoma is a benign bone tumor arising most often in the epiphyses of long bones. Nearly 90% occurred in patients between the ages of 5 and 25 years, but tumors were found in later adulthood and even in old age. A few chondroblastomas were predominantly cystic, and some contained zones that were indistinguishable microscopically from aneurysmal bone cysts. Conservative surgical removal, nearly always effective, should be thorough so as to minimize the risk of the occasional troublesome recurrence. Late sarcomatous change has been reported in a few cases whether radiation therapy was employed or not. Atypical sarcomas, especially chondrosarcomas, mimic chondroblastoma in rare instances, but there is no convincing evidence for a primarily malignant chondroblastoma. The one metastasizing benign chondroblastoma that was documented is a pathologic rarity. The tumor may respond favorably to radiation therapy, which should be employed only for surgically inaccessible tumors, and it may be curative.
Effects of physical exercise on ADHD‐like behavior in male and female adolescent spontaneously hypertensive rats

The present study examined the effects of exercising (voluntary wheel running) during adolescence on attentional function in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a commonly used animal model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Once rats reached adulthood, they received one session in which a light was presented 12 times but not reinforced, followed by training sessions in which the light was paired with a food reward. Male and female SHRs that had access to running wheels exhibited levels of unconditioned orienting behavior that were similar to Wistar-Kyoto rats (normo-active control) while SHRs that did not have access to running wheels exhibited higher levels of unconditioned orienting behavior. When the light was later paired with food there were no differences between the groups of male rats, but exercising female SHRs exhibited a decrease in conditioned food cup behavior. Consistent with their established phenotype, SHR rats exhibited more locomotor activity during an open field exploration session than WKY rats, but there was no relationship between orienting behavior and locomotor activity. Together these data suggest that physical exercise during adolescence can benefit attentional capabilities.
Economic Impacts of Invasive Species in Forests Past, Present, and Future

Biological invasions by nonnative species are a by-product of economic activities, with the vast majority of nonnative species introduced by trade and transport of products and people. Although most introduced species are relatively innocuous, a few species ultimately cause irreversible economic and ecological impacts, such as the chestnut blight that functionally eradicated the American chestnut across eastern North America. Assessments of the economic costs and losses induced by nonnative forest pests are required for policy development and need to adequately account for all of the economic impacts induced by rare, highly damaging pests. To date, countrywide economic evaluations of forest-invasive species have proceeded by multiplying a unit value (price) by a physical quantity (volume of forest products damaged) to arrive at aggregate estimates of economic impacts. This approach is inadequate for policy development because (1) it ignores the dynamic impacts of biological invasions on the evolution of prices, quantities, and market behavior, and (2) it fails to account for the loss in the economic value of nonmarket ecosystem services, such as landscape aesthetics, outdoor recreation, and the knowledge that healthy forest ecosystems exist. A review of the literature leads one to anticipate that the greatest economic impacts of invasive species in forests are due to the loss of nonmarket values. We proposed that new methods for evaluating aggregate economic damages from forest-invasive species need to be developed that quantify market and nonmarket impacts at microscales that are then extended using spatially explicit models to provide aggregate estimates of impacts. Finally, policies that shift the burden of economic impacts from taxpayers and forest landowners onto parties responsible for introducing or spreading invasives, whether through the imposition of tariffs on products suspected of imposing unacceptable risks on native forest ecosystems or by requiring standards on the processing of trade products before they cross international boundaries, may be most effective at reducing their impacts.
Altered patterns of protein synthesis induced by heat shock of yeast

The products of protein synthesis from exponential phase cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown at 23 °C or at 36 °C appear to be essentially identical. However, yeast cells respond to a shift in culture temperature from 23 °C to 36 °C with the rapid de novo synthesis of a polypeptide species of molecular weight 100,000. Within 60-90 min after the shift this polypeptide represents approximately 2.5% of the total cellular protein, a 5-10 fold increase over the preshift level. The level of this polypeptide then decreases with continued growth of the cells at 36 °C. Analyses by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of polypeptides obtained from cells pulse labeled with [(35)S]methionine demonstrate that following a temperature shift from 23 °C to 36 °C the synthetic rate of the 100,000 molecular weight polypeptide (as well as a number of other polypeptide species) increases to a level at least 10 fold higher than that observed prior to the shift. A concomittant decrease is observed in the synthesis of a large number of polypeptide species which were actively synthesized before the shift. Maximum changes in synthetic rates are observed 20-30 min after the shift and preshift synthetic patterns are regained within 60-90 min. Synthetic changes of the same magnitude and time course can be produced by short (20-30 min) exposures to 36 °C implicating a heat shock response. Several of the transiently induced polypeptides, including the 100,000 molecular weight species, show an affinity for DNA as determined by DNA-cellulose chromatography.
Contact resistance measurement of bonded copper interconnects for three-dimensional integration technology

A novel test structure for contact resistance measurement of bonded copper interconnects in three-dimensional integration technology is proposed and fabricated. This test structure requires a simple fabrication process and eliminates the possibility of measurement errors due to misalignment during bonding. Specific contact resistances of bonding interfaces with different interconnect sizes of approximately 10/sup -8/ /spl Omega/-cm/sup 2/ are measured. A reduction in specific contact resistance is obtained by longer anneal time. The specific contact resistance of bonded interconnects with longer anneal time does not change with interconnect sizes.
Growth of sculptured polymer submicronwire assemblies by vapor deposition

Abstract We have grown helical nanowire assemblies of parylene C, thereby demonstrating that polymeric sculptured thin films (STFs) can be fabricated by a combination of physical and chemical vapor deposition processes. The deposition method is explained in detail and electron micrographs of 200–400 nm size sculptured thin film of parylene are given. The shapes of the submicron and nanowire assemblies can be engineered so that the polymeric STF acts as a template for preferential attachment of biomolecules.
Tempered distributions and their application in computing conditional moments for normal mixtures

We offer a unified theory, which provides necessary and sufficient conditions for almost everywhere convergence of radial smooth functions using Fourier integrals on Euclidean spaces. We apply this methodology to obtain expressions for the conditional variance of scale mixtures of multivariate normal. We present some specific examples, i.e., the multivariate t-distribution and when the scale is gamma distributed.
Modeling geospatial barriers

This paper discusses geospatial barriers modeled as a specialized class of boundaries. This work shows how these concepts contribute to a broader ontology of boundaries. Barriers are modeled as subclasses of the DOLCE class endurant. Other endurants include the objects a barrier protects, i.e., target objects, and the objects that a barrier hinders, i.e., active objects. Two classes related to barriers, active objects, and target objects -- enclose and block - are modeled as perdurants. The distance measurements necessary for determining these endurant and perdurant classes are modeled as qualities. Different combinations of these classes are examined in order to model how barriers can be strengthened, as well as illustrate additional cases involving boundaries as barriers.
Certain Metals Trigger Fibrillation of Methionine-oxidized α-Synuclein

The aggregation and fibrillation of α-synuclein has been implicated as a key step in the etiology of Parkinson's disease and several other neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, oxidative stress and certain environmental factors, including metals, are believed to play an important role in Parkinson's disease. Previously, we have shown that methionine-oxidized human α-synuclein does not fibrillate and also inhibits fibrillation of unmodified α-synuclein (Uversky, V. N., Yamin, G., Souillac, P. O., Goers, J., Glaser, C. B., and Fink, A. L. (2002) FEBS Lett. 517, 239–244). Using dynamic light scattering, we show that the inhibition results from stabilization of the monomeric form of Met-oxidized α-synuclein. We have now examined the effect of several metals on the structural properties of methionine-oxidized human α-synuclein and its propensity to fibrillate. The presence of metals induced partial folding of both oxidized and non-oxidized α-synucleins, which are intrinsically unstructured under conditions of neutral pH. Although the fibrillation of α-synuclein was completely inhibited by methionine oxidation, the presence of certain metals (Ti3+, Zn2+, Al3+, and Pb2+) overcame this inhibition. These findings indicate that a combination of oxidative stress and environmental metal pollution could play an important role in triggering the fibrillation of α-synuclein and thus possibly Parkinson's disease.
Weight gain, improvements in metabolic profiles and immunogenicity with insulin or sulphonylurea administration in AIDS.

1. Study Design, Patients and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 2. Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 3. Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 4. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Ten lectures on the interface between analytic number theory and harmonic analysis

Uniform distribution van der Corput sets Exponential sums I: The methods of Weyl and van der Corput Exponential sums II: Vinogradov's method An introduction to Turan's method Irregularities of distribution Mean and large values of Dirichlet polynomials Distribution of reduced residue classes in short intervals Zeros of $L$-functions Small polynomials with integral coefficients Some unsolved problems Index.
The otherness of the oceans

As scientists discover more about the genomes of marine microorganisms, new views of their physiology and ecosystem networks are opening up, explain Alexandra Z. Worden and Darcy McRose.
Prevalence and Numbers of Bacteria in Broiler Crop and Gizzard Contents

Crops or gizzards in broiler carcasses are frequently damaged during processing. The contents from either organ, defined by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as ingesta, may contaminate the carcass. Previous research has shown crop contents are a source of Salmonella contamination on processed carcasses, although less information is available on gizzard contents. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and numbers of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter in ingesta collected from the crop and gizzard. In each of 3 replicate trials, 10 uneviscerated broiler carcasses were obtained from a processor at the shackle transfer point just prior to evisceration. Liquid crop contents and solid gizzard contents were aseptically collected from each carcass and quantitatively cultured. Total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and Campylobacter were determined for contents from both organs. Crop contents (log cfu/mL), compared with gizzard contents (log cfu/g), contained significantly (P < 0.05) higher numbers of total aerobic bacteria (5.6 vs. 2.9), coliforms (4.2 vs. 2.3), E. coli (3.9 vs. 2.2), and Campylobacter (4.6 vs. 2.2). Escherichia coli prevalence was higher in crop samples (28 of 29) than gizzard samples (19 of 30). Campylobacter prevalence was also higher for crop vs. gizzard samples (29 of 29 vs. 12 of 30). An average of 2.4 g of crop contents and 8.4 g of gizzard contents were recovered. Crop contents contain more bacteria than gizzard contents and contained a higher incidence of E. coli and Campylobacter contamination. However, because of the numbers of bacteria and amount of material in the crop and gizzard, it is unlikely that ingesta contamination would increase overall bacterial counts of prechill broiler carcasses.
Fracture toughness study on LIGA fabricated microstructures

One of the major difficulties faced by MEMS researchers today is the lack of data regarding properties of electroplated metals or alloys at micro-levels as those produced by the LIGA and the LIGA related process. These mechanical properties are not well known and they cannot be extrapolated from macro-scale data without experimental verification. This lack of technical information about physical properties at microscale has affected the consistency and reliability of batch-fabricated components and leads to very low rates of successful fabrication. Therefore, this material issue is of vital importance to the development of LIGA technology and to its industrial applications. The research work reported in this paper focuses on the development of a new capability based on design, fabrication, and testing of groups of UV-LIGA fabricated nickel microspecimens for the evaluation of fracture strength. The devised testing mechanism demonstrated compatibility with the fabricated samples and capability of performing the desired experimentation by generating resistance-to-fracture values of the nickel specimens. The average fracture strength value obtained, expressed with a 95% confidence interval, was 315 ± 54 Mpa. Further data acquisition, especially involving tensile specimen testing, and material analysis is needed to fully understand the implications of the information obtained.
Effects of vagal stimulation on the learning of specific and diffuse conditioned suppression.

The effects of manipulation of the autonomic nervous system by direct vagal stimulation on the learning of emotional responses in specific and diffuse conditioned suppression situations was examined. In the specific conditioned suppression case where a light predicted shock, vagal stimulation was effective in significantly reducing the level of conditioned suppression. In the diffuse conditioned suppression situation where long-duration unpredictable shocks were paired with vagal stimulation, vagal stimulation was totally effective in preventing the suppression of baseline bar press rate. The results provide further evidence that manipulation of the autonomic nervous system profoundly affects the learning of emotional responses.
The Burrows and Food of the Prairie Pocket Mouse

During the course of field work in Rogers County, Oklahoma, in the winter of 1933 and the summers of 1935 and 1936, numerous burrows of Perognathus hispidus maximus were excavated and examined. A few records were kept of food found in the cheek pouches of individuals caught in snap traps. From these two sources I have assembled the data presented herewith. I am indebted to O. W. Letson for his kind assistance in the identification of many of the plants mentioned in this study. Many of the food materials were determined by A. C. Martin of the U. S. Biological Survey. The insect material was identified by I. J. Cantrall. I wish also to thank Lee R. Dice and W. H. Burt for critically reading the manuscript. Burrows.-In this area prairie pocket mice were found only on rocky, uncultivated prairie. Within this major habitat two factors seemed to be most important in determining the location of their burrows. Every burrow examined was located, at least partially, beneath a limestone fragment. These limestone slabs were found in the prairie habitats having thin soil and scanty vegetation and in the areas characterized by deeper soil and denser vegetation. Pocket mice occurred beneath them in both types of habitat, but more mice were found living in the more densely vegetated area. This habitat is characterized by such woody plants as smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) and persimmon sprouts (Diospyros virginiana). Typical grasses are side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), silver beardgrass (Andropogon saccharoides), buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides), and windmill grass (Chloris verticillata). Other characteristic plants are prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa and Opuntia tortispina), nettle (Tragia nepetaefolia), and blue false indigo (Baptisia australis). Several observations on the burrows were made. I have found, as did Bailey (North Amer. Fauna, no. 25, pp. 135-137, 1905) with the subspecies hispidus, that mounds of earth resembling pocket gopher mounds generally are thrown out near the entrances, and that usually there is more than one entrance. Most of the burrows examined had two or three entrances, but a few had only one. The entrances generally were plugged from within during the day, but this was not always the case. One system of burrows never contained more than a single individual. There is a rough correlation between the age of the mouse and the extent and complexity of its burrow. The burrow of an immature individual generally is an unbranched tunnel beneath a limestone slab. The bottom surface of the rock forms the roof of the tunnel. Unconsumed food is scattered about the tunnel. Older individuals occupy much more elaborate systems of burrows. The tunnels are branched considerably and may pro188
Enterococcus faecalis Cellulitis/Fasciitis After Hypospadias Surgery

We describe a case of Enterococcus faecalis-associated cellulitis/fasciitis after hypospadias surgery.
The TAG hydrothermal field

THERE is abundant evidence that seawater penetrates, and circulates within, the oceanic crust at active spreading centres. Low heat flow values from ridge crests imply that heat must be removed locally by water circulation1–6. Furthermore, hydrous metamorphosed oceanic crust and oceanic serpentines, which required voluminous quantities of water during their formation7–9, also have isotopic compositions which indicate that the isotopic sources had low δ18O values, such as are found in seawater10. The tectonic setting of strike–slip and normal faulting along the rift valley scarps of oceanic ridges is conducive to the penetration of dense, cold water down the fractures, the heating of the water at depth, and the exhalation of the less dense hydrothermal water as submarine springs along fracture systems.
Presentation of metastatic carcinoma as pedal stress fracture and ingrown toenail.

Metastatic lesions localized to the foot are rare. When present, such lesions are typically associated with a poor prognosis. A good history can help guide the clinician when formulating differential diagnoses for a questionable clinical presentation. We report the case of a patient presenting with findings indicative of a metatarsal stress fracture and an ingrown toenail, which eventually resulted in the diagnosis of metastatic disease from the lung. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 4