cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Juvenile Dungeness Crab Metacarcinus magister Habitat Provided by Contemporary Oyster Aquaculture Versus Historical Native Oysters in a U.S. West Coast Estuary

Oysters and seagrasses provide structurally complex estuarine habitat for fish and invertebrate species. On the U.S. West Coast, complex oyster habitat was historically provided by the native Olympia oyster Ostrea lurida but is now provided by the commercially cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas. Ostrea lurida is found in subtidal and low intertidal areas, whereas C. gigas is predominantly cultured at higher intertidal elevations, resulting in a potential shift in available habitat for other fish and invertebrates that use this intertidal habitat. This change in the available habitat and its use was examined for the juvenile Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister, and results showed the following: (1) comparable crab densities in remnant and restored populations of O. lurida and cultured C. gigas in two estuaries, (2) generally higher crab densities in both of these shell habitats than those observed in eelgrass Zostera marina or open mud habitat, (3) contemporary juvenile crab density in intertidal areas of Willapa Bay was most influenced by distance from the estuary mouth (declining with increasing distance) but also declined with increasing tidal elevation, and (4) when extrapolated to the estuarine ecosystem scale using areal estimates of habitat coverage, historical habitat provided by O. lurida potentially produced three times more juvenile crabs than those currently produced in cultured C. gigas. Nonetheless, both intertidal oyster habitats contribute more to juvenile crab production than eelgrass or open unstructured mud, and the ecosystem services associated with the placement of native and commercial oyster beds should be considered when defining goals for and permitting both aquaculture and native oyster restoration in Willapa Bay and other U.S. West Coast estuaries. Managers should consider this shifting temporal baseline in intertidal habitat provision, but also conducting similar evaluations at this broader estuary scale when evaluating habitat value for other resources that use these habitats differently.
Liquid metallic laser ultrasound transducer for high-temperature applications

This study aims to investigate a laser ultrasound (LUS) transducer for high-temperature (>100 °C) applications. For decades, many researchers have investigated efficient LUS transducers, yet studies on laser ultrasound transducers capable of performing at the high-temperature condition are rarely found in the literature. Most current LUS transducers still utilize a polymer-based composite material, that is, not stable at varying temperature conditions. This study introduces a liquid metallic (LM) LUS transducer that utilizes field's metal, which has a high thermal expansion (∼3 × 10−4 K−1). We hypothesized that such a high thermal expansion of the liquid metal can effectively produce laser-generated ultrasound waves, substituting for conventional polymer-based transducers. A numerical simulation predicted that the LM LUS transducer would produce higher LUS intensity (∼22 dB) than that without the LUS transducer. Experiment results confirmed that the LM transducer effectively intensifies the ultrasound wave signals, obtaining a signal-to-noise gain over 30 dB. Moreover, the transducer was found capable of transmitting detectable wave packets in relatively high-temperature conditions (∼400 °C), while conventional candle soot nanoparticle-polydimethylsiloxane could not perform stably at these elevated temperatures. The investigations introduced in this article are scientifically significant since we demonstrated the engineering feasibility of liquid metallic materials for LUS transducers.
Amyloidosis with Cardiac Involvement: Identification, Characterization, and Management.

Amyloidosis is a protein deposition disease whereby a variety of precursor proteins form insoluble fibrils that deposit in tissues, causing organ dysfunction and, many times, death. Accurate characterization of the disease based on the nature of the precursor protein, organ involvement, and extent of disease is paramount to guide management. Cardiac amyloidosis is critical to understand because of its impact on prognosis and new treatment options available. New imaging methods have proven to be considerably valuable in the identification of cardiac amyloid infiltration. For treating clinicians, a diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected amyloidosis with or without cardiomyopathy is shown to help classify disease and to direct appropriate genetic testing and management. For patients with light chain disease, recently introduced treatments adopted from multiple myeloma therapies have significantly extended progression-free and overall survival as well as organ response. In addition, new medical interventions are now available for those with transthyretin amyloidosis. Although cardiac amyloidosis contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality associated with systemic disease, new tools are available to assist with diagnosis, prognosis, and management.
Original contributionNeodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet contact laser ablation of Barrett’s high grade dysplasia and early adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES: We describe the efficacy and safety of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) contact laser ablation of Barrett’s high grade dysplasia (HGD) and/or early adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Consecutive Barrett’s patients in whom HGD or adenocarcinoma was detected were eligible. Radial array echoendosonography and high frequency catheter probe ultrasonography were performed. Patients were excluded if ultrasound revealed the presence of Barrett’s cancer with regional lymph nodes or celiac trunk metastases or extension of the tumor into superficial submucosa (T1sm1) or greater. Nd:YAG laser used quartz contact probes, with all Barrett’s epithelium targeted at each session. Complete ablation was confirmed with Lugol’s iodine chromoendoscopy followed by surveillance biopsies of the neosquamous epithelium. Adverse events were ascertained by scheduled telephone contact interviews. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients with HGD/adenocarcinoma were evaluated at our center, 17 of whom met all inclusion criteria. Of the patients, 14 have remained in the study, and all have had successful elimination of HGD and cancer. In addition, 11 patients (78.6%) achieved complete endoscopic and histological ablation of all Barrett’s tissue. Two patients (14.3%) achieved 95% destruction of Barrett’s with residual metaplastic columnar epithelium containing goblet cells without dysplasia. The remaining patient has obtained 75% ablation of Barrett’s, with residual metaplastic columnar epithelium harboring Barrett’s with low grade dysplasia. Major complications included two esophageal strictures (11.8%) and one mild upper GI bleed (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience with Nd:YAG contact laser for the treatment of Barrett’s HGD and early superficial cancers seems promising. The need for additional controlled trials with larger numbers of patients with longer follow-up, as well as consideration of a head-to-head trial with Photofrin photodynamic therapy, is warranted.
Ependymal tumors

Ependymal tumors are rare malignancies that arise from the cells that line the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. Although they are more common in children, adults may also be effected by ependymal tumors. Prognosis is dependent on tumor location, histology, especially for myxopapillary tumors that tend to occur in the lumbar spine, extent of surgical resection, and stage of disease. Standard therapy consists of complete resection when feasible. The exact role of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with radiographically confirmed complete resection is poorly defined. Patients with known residual disease may benefit from local radiation therapy, but the extent of radiation field and total dose are controversial. Even in patients treated with involved field radiotherapy, most relapses occur within the original tumor bed, thus local control remains the biggest obstacle to effective therapy. Chemotherapy has little impact against this tumor and has no role in the adjuvant setting, outside of a well designed clinical trial, with the possible exception of children younger than 5 years in an effort to delay radiation. A minority of patients may respond to one of several chemotherapy regimens at the time of recurrence, but the impact of this therapy is limited. Newer treatment strategies are needed.
How Engineers Think and Implications for Public Interest Technology

Over the recent winter holidays, in a casual conversation with some engineering friends, I brought up the role of engineers in the Cahora Bassa Dam of Mozambique, a project I highlighted at the recent IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society 2020 (ISTAS20) Conference [1] . During the construction of the dam, local knowledge of drainage and seasonal river patterns were ignored by European and American engineers, which resulted in tragic consequences for both the environment and the welfare of the indigenous villages along the wide and mountainous Zambezi River [2] . In response, one of my (anonymous) friends declared, “Well, that’s not the engineer’s fault. The engineers were asked to optimize the placement of the dam, so they optimized it. Those consequences are the fault of the manager who scoped out the project!”
The Dynamics of International Law

Paul F. Diehl and Charlotte Ku's new framework for international law divides it into operating and normative systems. The authors provide a theory of how these two systems interact, which explains how changes in one system precipitate changes and create capacity in the other. A punctuated equilibrium theory of system evolution, drawn from studies of biology and public policy studies, provides the basis for delineating the conditions for change and helps explain a pattern of international legal change that is often infrequent and sub-optimal, but still influential.
The decline and rise of the multinational corporation in the metal mineral industry

The golden age of the mining multinational in the 1950s and the early 1960s gave way to decline as a consequence of economic nationalism in many host countries in the late 1960s and 1970s. During t ...
Goody receives William Bowie Medal

Richard M. Goody was awarded the William Bowie Medal at the AGU Spring Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held on May 27, 1998, in Boston, Massachusetts. The William Bowie Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to fundamental geophysics and unselfish cooperation in research.
Biochemical Studies of Bacterial Sporulation and Germination VII. PROTEIN TURNOVER DURING SPORULATION OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Abstract Synthesis of spore protein during sporulation was shown, by labeling with 3H-phenylalanine, to be accompanied by degradation of vegetative cell protein at a rate in excess of 18% per hour. In contrast, turnover during exponential growth is negligible. Turnover is nonspecific, in that protein newly synthesized during sporulation is degraded at the same rate as pre-existing vegetative cell protein. This general and extremely active degradation of protein during sporulation requires protein synthesis after the end of exponential growth but before turnover begins. However, once turnover commences, protein degradation continues even when protein synthesis is blocked. The percentage of protein newly synthesized in the forespore compartment during sporulation is significantly higher than that in the surrounding mother cell. Whether protein turnover occurs in the forespore as in the mother cell has not been established.
Lessons from human progeroid syndromes

A number of human genes have been identified in which mutations can lead to the accelerated emergence of features of senescence. Studies of these genes, and of the functions of their protein products, may lead to a clearer understanding of the nature of senescence, and could provide clues for ways in which ageing might be retarded.
Growth optimization of algae for biodiesel production

Aims: Algae are favourable as a biofuel source because of the potential high oil content and fast generation of biomass. However, one of the challenges for this technology is achieving high oil content while maintaining exponential or high growth of the organism. Introducing a two-stage reactor to optimize both growth and oil content of the algae could be a solution to this hurdle. The aim of this study was to determine the reactor design parameters of the first-stage reactor, which would optimize growth of two algal strains, Oocystis sp. and Amphora sp. Methods and Results: Growth kinetics were monitored by in vivo fluorescence and correlated to dry mass for both cultures under several environmental conditions during exponential growth. Temperatures of 25 and 30°C and light intensities of 150 and 80 μmol m−2 s−1 provided the most robust growth for Oocystis sp. and Amphora sp., respectively. Both strains showed optimized growth at a light : dark cycle of 16 : 08. At these conditions, the doubling rate for Oocystis sp. was 0·333 d−1 and for Amphora sp. was 0·179 d−1. Conclusions: For both cultures, growth rate was more dependent on light : dark cycle and temperature than light intensity. Both strains grew slower in this work than data reported in the literature, however agitation and air/CO2 sparging were not incorporated in the system under study. The highest doubling rate for Amphora sp. was observed near the maximum tolerable temperature, and it is suggested to grow this strain at 30°C for a consistent high growth rate. Significance and Impact of Study: Optimized growth conditions were determined for two lipid producing strains identified in the Aquatic Species Program summary report. An optimized, first-stage growth reactor operating at these conditions would thus offer the maximum productivity for an algal biomass feed stream into a lipid-optimized second-stage reactor.
Birthweight and gestational age effects on motor and social development

The number of children at risk for delays in motor and social development (MSD) associated with preterm delivery and low birthweight is increasing, but such children are generally not seen as being in need of evaluation. The objective of these analyses was to determine whether there are independent effects of birthweight and gestational age on MSD and the magnitude of effects. Subjects were a representative sample of 4621 US-born singleton children, aged 2-47 months, examined in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-94). MSD was assessed using an age-appropriate scale. Birthweight and gestational age were taken from birth certificates. Mexican-American and 'other' race/ethnicity (other than non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black or Mexican-American), low parental education level, older maternal age, higher birth order, low birthweight (LBW, <2500 g) and preterm delivery (<37 weeks) were all found to be associated with significant (P < 0.01) delays in MSD. Three per cent of the infants and children were preterm LBW and 2.2% term LBW (<2500 g, 37-44 weeks). Adjusting for socio-demographic factors, preterm LBW children had lower MSD scores (-1.5 +/- 0.3 points, P < 0.0001) through early childhood, as did term LBW children (0.8 +/- 0.4 points, P < 0.03). For females, LBW was the most important perinatal predictor of a lowered score (-0.9 +/- 0.3 points compared with normal birthweight, P < 0.04). For males, scores were additionally decreased by -0.1 +/- 0.03 points/week (P=0.001) of early delivery. LBW children had less muscle mass, but adjusting for muscularity did not diminish the effects of birth size on MSD. LBW status and preterm delivery are associated independently with small, but measurable, delays in MSD through early childhood and should be considered along with other known risk factors for development delays in determining the need for developmental evaluation.
Differential in vitro metabolism of β-endorphin in schizophrenia

Abstract Biologically active peptide fragments derived from the proteolytic cleavage of β-endorphin (βE) have been shown to be present in the brain. Based on clinical results using some of these fragments in neuropsychiatric disease studies we investigated the in vitro metabolism of βE by twice-washed membrane homogenates of postmortem putamen from sex and age matched controls versus subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The present study demonstrates that frozen (−80°C) postmortem human tissues are viable for these studies and that metabolism in control tissue proceeds similarly to fresh tissues. Furthermore, a significant increase in the formation of the putative neuroleptic-like peptide fragment desenkephalin-γ-endorphin in postmortem schizophrenic putamen versus controls was shown. A significant decrease in the formation of βE 6–21 was also reported. These data suggest that an approach using postmortem human brain is possible in studying β-endorphin catabolism and is therefore applicable to other neuropeptide systems.
Predictions and observations in theories with varying couplings

We consider a toy universe containing conventional matter and an additional real scalar field, and discuss how the requirements of gauge and diffeomorphism invariance essentially single out a particular set of theories which might describe such a world at low energies. In these theories, fermion masses and g factors, as well as the electromagnetic coupling, turn out to be scalar field dependent; fermion charges and the gravitational coupling might be assumed to be constant. We then proceed to study the impact of a time variation of the scalar field on measurements of atomic spectra at high redshifts. Light propagation is not affected by a sufficiently slow change of the fine structure constant, but changes of the latter as well as variations of fermion masses and g factors do affect the observed atomic spectra. Finally, we prove the independence of these predictions on the chosen conformal frame in a further attempt to address differing views about the subject expressed in the literature.
Frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy measurements of carbon dioxide isotopic ratios

Carbon dioxide (CO2) isotopic ratios on samples of pure CO2 were measured in the 1.6 μm wavelength region using the frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy (FS-CRDS) technique. We present CO2 absorption spectra with peak signal-to-noise ratios as high as 28,000:1. Measured single-spectrum signal-to-noise ratios were as high as 8900:1, 10,000:1, and 1700:1 for 13C/12C, 18O/16O, and 17O/16O, respectively. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of utilizing the Galatry line profile in the spectrum analysis. The use of the Voigt line profile, which neglects the observed collisional narrowing, leads to large systematic errors which are transition-dependent and vary with temperature and pressure. While the relatively low intensities of CO2 transitions near λ=1.6 μm make this spectral region non-optimal, the sensitivity and stability of FS-CRDS enabled measurement precision of pure CO2 samples which are comparable to those of other optical techniques which operate at far more propitious wavelengths. These results indicate that a FS-CRDS spectrometer designed to probe CO2 bands near wavelengths of 2.0 μm or 4.3 μm could achieve significantly improved precision over the present instrument and likely be competitive with mass spectrometric methods.
A GENERALIZATION OF ADJUSTMENT, WITH AN APPLICATION TO THE SCALING OF ESSAY SCORES

In a subclassified finite population, the sample mean and the estimator based on direct adjustment are the two extreme representatives of a family of empirically weighted estimators derived from different logit models for selection probabilities or propensity scores. Other members of this family often have several advantages: (a) unlike the sample mean, they permit adjustment for subclasses, (b) unlike the directly adjusted estimator, they can often be calculated when there are no respondents in some subclasses, and (c) the weights assigned to the subclasses are less variable than the weights associated with the directly adjusted estimator. In conjunction with subclasses formed from an estimated balancing score, the empirically weighted estimator is applied to scale the scores of self-selected essays on the College Board's 1982 Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.
Human beta-glucuronidase. I. Recognition and uptake by animal fibroblasts suggests animal models for enzyme replacement studies.

Summary: As part of an effort to develop an animal model for studies of uptake of human β-glucuronidasc, fibroblasts were established from primary explains of connective tissue from nine different animal species, and examined for their ability to take up human platelet β-glucuronidase. Endogenous fibroblast β-glucuronidase was inactivated by heating extracts to 65° for 30 min. Human β-glucuronidase was stable to this treatment. Uptake of human β-glucuronidase by animal fibroblasts was measured as heat-stable β-glucuronidase present in fibroblasts after exposure to partially purified human platelet β-glucuronidase for 48 hr. Although all animal fibrohlasts examined exhibited some uptake capacity for human β-glucuronidase, the uptake capacity of different animal fihroblasts varied over a 10-fold range. The uptake capacity of bovine fibroblasts was at least 80% that of human fibroblasts. Rat and hamster fibroblasts showed about half the uptake capacity of human fibroblasts. The rat fibroblasls resembled the human fihroblasts in the kinetics of uptake of high uptake (platelet) enzyme, poor uptake of human placental enzyme, and lack of appreciable turnover of enzyme taken up over 4 days. Heating extracts of rat organs containing added human β-glucuronidase at 65° selectively inactivated rat enzyme. Speculation: These results indicate that uptake of human platelet β-glucuronidase by fibroblasts is a reflection of a general biologic process shared by many animal species. As such, the rat, and probably several other animal species, might serve as animal models for study of that process in the whole animal. Studies in the whole rat should provide information regarding the uptake and metabolic fate of the different forms of human β-glucuronidase that have large differences in uptake activity and corrective potency for human fibrohlasts. This information may prove important in choosing the organ source for purified enzyme, or desirable modifications of purified human enzyme for enzyme replacement therapy.
Resonance phenomenon during wrist pulse-taking: A stochastic simulation, model-based study of the ‘pressing with one finger’ technique

Abstract This study analyzed the ‘pressing with one finger’ technique for wrist pulse-taking and explored the identification of internal organs according to the resonance theory in the circulatory system. A five-section discretized-transmission-line model of the distal upper limb was proposed considering the radial artery, the distal positions chi–guan–cun, and the hand vasculature. The transfer function of the model was parameterized in terms of its resonance frequency and respective amplification factor. Rheological and geometrical parameters of the modeled arterial system were used to simulate a sample of 1000 healthy volunteers subjected to wrist pulse-taking examination. The ‘pressing with one finger’ technique was simulated individually at each position by varying the vertical (minor) diameter of the elliptical cross-sectional radial artery from 0% to 99%. The pulse waveform harmonics were calculated in the frequency domain and had their internal organs assigned according to the resonance theory. Compressions in range 0–70% resulted in resonance frequencies around 3–6 Hz (related to the spleen) and amplification factors > 1. Compression in range 70–85% shifted up the resonance frequency of the majority of cases up to 6–8 Hz (related to the heart) and a minority of cases was shifted down to 0–2 Hz. A large decrease in the amplification factor occurred with module values
The Cloning and Characterization of the Histone Acetyltransferase Human Homolog Dmel\TIP60 in Drosophila melanogaster: Dmel\TIP60 Is Essential for Multicellular Development

Chromatin packaging directly influences gene programming as it permits only certain portions of the genome to be activated in any given developmental stage, cell, and tissue type. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are a key class of chromatin regulatory proteins that mediate such developmental chromatin control; however, their specific roles during multicellular development remain unclear. Here, we report the first isolation and developmental characterization of a Drosophila HAT gene (Dmel\TIP60) that is the homolog of the human HAT gene TIP60. We show that Dmel\TIP60 is differentially expressed during Drosophila development, with transcript levels significantly peaking during embryogenesis. We further demonstrate that reducing endogenous Dmel\TIP60 expression in Drosophila embryonic cells by RNAi results in cellular defects and lethality. Finally, using a GAL4-targeted RNAi system in Drosophila, we show that ubiquitous or mesoderm/muscle-specific reduction of Dmel\TIP60 expression results in lethality during fly development. Our results suggest a mechanism for HAT regulation involving developmental control of HAT expression profiles and show that Dmel\TIP60 is essential for multicellular development. Significantly, our inducible and targeted HAT knockdown system in Drosophila now provides a powerful tool for effectively studying the roles of TIP60 in specific tissues and cell types during development.
Reproductive aging is associated with decreased mitochondrial abundance and altered structure in murine oocytes

Purpose To establish the phenotype of reproductive aging in our mouse model. To test the hypotheses that reproductive aging is associated with a decrease in mitochondrial abundance that could ultimately reflect dysfunction in oocytes.
Database considerations in manufacturing systems integration

Abstract This paper deals with ideas that could form a basis for manufacturing integration. In recent times more attention is being paid to the idea of applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to manufacturing. However, very little attention is being paid to the proper use of these techniques. This research work explores three basic ideas: 1. 1. Applications of the entity-relationship approach to knowledge representation. 2. 2. The basic philosophy of expert database systems and 3. 3. Integration of manufacturing systems from the above two concepts. The approaches for 1 and 2 are explained with actual implementation experiences, while a framework for integration is proposed from a more philosophical perspective.
Martin Amis Writes Postmodern Man

Abstract Martin Amis has been something of a puzzle to most critics since the publication of his first novel, The Rachel Papers, in 1973. Initial reviews of the novel were mixed and contradictory. London Magazine celebrated his inaugural novel as social satire, comparing Amis to Jonathan Swift and Angus Wilson (Mellors 1331, whereas Encounter found The Rachel Papers to be “teeming with characters who are about as appealing as bacilli on a [washcloth]” (Jordan 64). Another reviewer admonished Amis to stop showing off his cleverness and find a subject worthier of his outrage (Moritz 20). Ironically, Amis answered the demand to find a subject worthier of his outrage through exploiting his cleverness. He did exactly that by mastering the art of postmodern prose: his style, with multiple layerings of fiction upon fiction, and a deluded narrator imbedded somewhere in the middle, is itself a story.
Dynamic recrystallization in detonating tantalum shaped charges: A mechanism for extreme plastic deformation

Abstract In a systematic examination and comparison of two different tantalum starting liner cones and corresponding recovered slugs and jet fragments for detonated shaped charges, using light and transmission electron microscopy observations, the slug and jet grain sizes were reduced from the liners by nearly a factor of 100. The slug and jet cross sections exhibited different concentric zones of varying grain and substructures, and these also varied with a difference in the starting liner cone grain structure. These observations provide unambiguous evidence for dynamic recrystallization as a prominent mechanism for deformation in the detonating shaped charge.
Characterization and application of DAST at THz frequency

Summary form only given.The organic ionic salt crystal DAST is an extremely promising material with high nonlinear optical coefficient of 840 pm/V at 1542 nm and electro-optical (EO) coefficient of 75 pm/V at 820 nm. DAST has been used to generate broadband THz radiation by optical rectification. in addition, low dielectric constants of DAST allows high-speed EO modulation and detection. DAST has been used to monitor mm wave field by interferometric methods. In this paper, we first report the dielectric constant of DAST at THz frequency. Then we employ DAST as an EO sensor to detect THz pulses using a novel scheme, with both waveform and spectrum information obtained.
Modeling reciprocation and cooperation in primates: evidence for a punishing strategy

Experiments in which animals strategically interact with one another or search over some controlled domain are becoming common. While these experiments often promise to illuminate sophisticated animal behavior, the analyses brought to bear on these data are often quite coarse. For example, many papers simply tally the number of observations consistent with a behavioral theory. This analysis is simple, but ignores a potentially rich source of information by failing to take into account patterns and systematic variation among observations inconsistent with the theory. Using a new data set generated by cotton-top tamarin monkeys playing a repeated food-exchange game, we apply a maximum-likelihood estimation technique (more commonly used to study human economic behavior) which utilizes much more of the information in these data, and which uncovers unexpectedly sophisticated cooperative behavior from our subjects. Tamarin cooperation remains stable as long as both actors consistently cooperate, but requires at least two consecutive unexpected acts of cooperation to restart cooperation after it has collapsed, a strategy that resembles two-tits for a tat. We conclude by enumerating the benefits of a maximum-likelihood approach in experimental settings such as ours, and suggest other areas in which these techniques may be fruitful.
Medical Mycology in the Next Century.

Scientific knowledge and technology will continue to rapidly expand, having a profound effect upon patient care and research. As economic resources become more limited, new strategies will be formulated leading to innovative management approaches based upon a clearer understanding of host-pathogen interactions. Information management and a strong scientific research infrastructure will provide the necessary foundation for new discoveries. Funding for applied and basic research will flow from academic-industry-government partnerships in various combinations.
Natural IgM-mediated innate autoimmunity: a new target for early intervention of ischemia–reperfusion injury

Recent studies showed that innate autoimmunity is an early mechanism for ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Results from different animal models showed that reperfusion of ischemic tissues elicits an acute inflammatory response involving a complement system, which is activated by autoreactive natural IgM. Moreover, ischemia-specific self-targets were identified. In contrast to the unsuccessful attempts in the past to treat I/R injury, targeting natural IgM-mediated innate autoimmunity may open a new avenue for early intervention.
Subdiaphragmatic and intrathoracic paraspinal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 25 patients and 26 tumors.

BACKGROUND To determine the effects of anatomic site on the presentation and diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and on the treatment and outcomes of the patients, the authors initiated a study of these tumors at different sites. An earlier report described MPNSTs of the buttock and lower extremity, and the current series analyzes those presenting at intrathoracic (IT) and subdiaphragmatic (SD) paraspinal sites. METHODS The authors reviewed data on patients with paraspinal MPNSTs who were seen at Memorial Hospital during the period 1960-1995 and for whom histologic slides were available. Various clinicopathologic parameters and their effects on patient outcomes were examined. RESULTS Twenty-five patients with 26 tumors were evaluated. Seven tumors were IT and 18 were SD; 60% of the patients had neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Most patients presented with pain, and a diagnostic delay (of 3 months to 2 years) was often noted. Mean tumor sizes for SD and IT tumors were 14.3 cm and 6.6 cm, respectively. Most MPNSTs were composed of spindle cells in fascicles. Twenty-seven percent exhibited divergent differentiation. Twenty-four tumors were high grade, and a low grade component was identified in 8 tumors. Surgical resection was attempted for 23 tumors (88%), but complete resection was achieved in only 6 cases (23%). Eighty percent of the patients died of their tumors, 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 35% and 16%, and median survival was 8.5 months. Significant prognostic factors were tumor size <5 cm, the presence of a low grade component, and complete tumor resection. CONCLUSIONS Paraspinal MPNSTs have more aggressive behavior than peripherally located tumors, mainly because of the difficulty encountered in resecting them completely. Cancer 1998;82:2191-2203. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Deduction of Interaction Potentials from Planar-Channeling Experiments

A model is presented which allows planar-channeling data to be used to deduce the parameters of the interaction potential between the channeled ions and the atoms of the solid and which relates the stopping power of channeled ions to that of randomly directed ones. The analysis is based on the experimental observation of the proportionality between the stopping power and the transverse oscillation frequency of ions traversing the planar channels of thin crystal targets. It is applied to data on He, O, and I ions transmitted through the {111} and {100} channels of Au crystals and on H ions transmitted through the {111} and {110} channels of Si crystals. For both targets, the screening constants of the interaction potentials are in excellent agreement with recent Hartree calculations. The same potentials allow the calculation of random stopping powers from the channeling data which are in good agreement with observation, especially when account is taken of thermal vibrations of the lattice atoms.
Analysis of Infant Growth Curves Using Multivariate Adaptive Splines

Summary. In this paper, we study the effect of cocaine use by a pregnant woman on the growth of her infant after birth. Using a data set from a retrospective study, we found that cocaine use was a marginally significant contributor to the infant growth as measured by bodyweight. Prom a statistical point of view, the data represent a common, though complex, structure that has received little: attention in the statistical literature. To analyze these data, we adopt and further enhance an approach developed recently called MASAL (multivariate adaptive splines for the analysis of longitudinal data). In addition to the fitting of growth curves, we demonstrate particularly how to explore and estimate the underlying covariance structures for the longitudinal data that were collected from a rather irregular schedule.
Formation and stability of lanthanide complexes and their encapsulation into polymeric microspheres

The complexation of lanthanides (Ln) with dicarbonyl compounds (acetylacetone, acac; ethyl acetoacetate; 3-ethyl-2,4-pentanedione; 2,4-hexanedione; 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione; and diethyl malonate) was investigated using a potentiometric titration technique. The ability of a dicarbonyl compound to complex with the lanthanide elements was greatly dependent on its pK{sub a} and on the pH of the titrated solution. Selected lanthanide complexes (Ln complexes) were incorporated into spherical poly(L-lactic acid)(PLA) matrices and irradiated in a nuclear reactor with neutrons to produce short-lived high-energy {Beta}-particle-emitting radioisotopes. The lanthanides investigated (Ho, Dy, Sm, and La) were chosen on the basis of their physical and nuclear properties. A transition element (Re) was also studied. The small decrease in the ionic radii of the lanthanides with increasing atomic number led to (a) greater ability to extract and complex from an aqueous solution with complexing agents, (b) larger formation and stability constants for the Ln complexes, (c) increased solubility of the Ln complexes in chloroform, and (d) increase in the maximum percent incorporation of the stable lanthanides in PLA spheres. Ho(aca) was found to be the most promising candidate of the complexes studied on the basis of the above observations and due to the favorable physical properties of {sup 165}Ho and nuclearmore » properties of {sup 166}Ho. 21 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.« less
Intravenous nizatidine kinetics and acid suppression.

The effectiveness of intravenous nizatidine in suppressing gastric acid secretion was evaluated by different methods of inducing secretion in two single-blind studies. In study 1, seven subjects were given single, 20-min intravenous infusions of nizatidine (6.25, 25, 75, 150, or 250 mg) before modified sham feeding (MSF). Gastric acid suppression after nizatidine was contrasted with that after placebo and MSF. All doses of nizatidine reduced secretion; the 150- and 250-mg doses of nizatidine suppressed secretion for at least 2.5 hr. In study 2, eight subjects received one 5-min intravenous infusion of placebo, cimetidine (300 mg), or nizatidine (25, 50, 100, or 250 mg) weekly for 6 wk. Secretion was induced by infusing pentagastrin (2 µg/kg/hr) 45 min before the study drug was dosed and for 3.5 hr thereafter. Again, all doses of nizatidine reduced gastric acid, chiefly by decreasing volume. Nizatidine induced a clear dose-response effect; nizatidine (100 mg) and cimetidine (300 mg) had approximately equal suppressive effects. Nizatidine (100 mg) and cimetidine (300 mg) reduced acid output by 62% and 63% and reduced volume of secretion by 48% and 51% over the 3.5-hr period. Gastric acid suppression and plasma nizatidine concentrations were directly related. Nizatidine kinetics were linear and proportional to dose. The t½ was 1.3 hr (range 0.7 to 2.1 hr), the volume of distribution was 1.2 ± 0.5 l/kg, and clearance was 0.6 ± 0.2 l/kg/hr. Laboratory abnormalities and side effects were minor in both studies. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 37, 162–165; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.29
The stimulatory effect of calcium on the synthesis of cartilage proteoglycan

Summary Calcium stimulates the uptake of [ 35 S] SO 4 into cartilage at physiological concentration for ionized calcium. This effect can be blocked by puromycin, indicating calcium stimulates the synthesis of proteoglycan. It is proposed that this effect is mediated by alteration of the negative charge density of the polyanionic proteoglycan.
Relationship of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Esophagus and Cardia

Background: Recent studies have suggested that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and cardia. In order to
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and identification of epimeric 17-ketone impurities in commercial sample of dexamethasone sodium phosphate.

A commercial sample of dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution for injection was found to contain 56% of the label concentration and to be extensively contaminated (∼50%) with a white insoluble solid, which was identified as a mixture of the 16α- and 16β-methyl epimers of 9-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16-methylandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to separate, identify, and quantitate these epimers and to determine their presence in commercial samples. One epimer was identified by HPLC comparison with a synthesized specimen of 9-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylan-drosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione. The second peak was identified as the 16β-epimer by epimerization of the synthesized α-component with alkali to obtain a product whose chromatogram matched that of the impurity. These conclusions are supported by data obtained by IR and UV spectrophotometry, TLC, and the blue tetrazolium test.
Attitudes of Pre-service Teachers Toward Inclusion for Students Who Are Deaf

The success of inclusive education is largely dependent on teachers’ perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about where students with disabilities should be educated. This study examined pre-service teacher (PST) perspectives on inclusion for one subpopulation, students who are deaf, before and after taking a course that establishes the foundation for those perspectives in one teacher preparation programme. PSTs at one university, established for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, were asked to review case studies, identify an appropriate placement, and then identify the factors that influenced their decisions. Results indicate that these PSTs did not experience significant changes in attitude toward inclusion after taking an introductory course in special education. Implications for practise and future directions in research are considered.
A taxonomy of distributed termination detection algorithms

Abstract An important problem in the field of distributed systems is that of detecting the termination of a distributed computation. Distributed termination detection (DTD) is a difficult problem due to the fact that there is no simple way of gaining knowledge of the global state of the system. Of the algorithms proposed in the last 15 years, there are many similarities. We have categorized these algorithms based on the following factors: algorithm type (e.g., wave, credit-recovery), required network topology, algorithm symmetry, required process knowledge, communication protocol (synchronous or asynchronous), communication channel behavior (first-in first-out (FIFO) or non-FIFO), message optimality, and fault tolerance. This methodology is intended to guide future research in DTD algorithms (since research continues on these algorithms) as well as to provide a classification survey for this area.
Application of Nuclear Coherence Properties to Elementary-Particle Reactions

We consider the use of nuclei as targets in low-momentum-transfer elementary-particle reactions. At low momentum transfer the nucleus acts coherently and may be used to enhance or suppress various exchange mechanisms for the elementary particles. We use the impulse approximation and optical-model wave-functions representing the absorption of the particles passing through the nucleus. For production reactions in which $\ensuremath{\pi}$ exchange on hydrogen is dominant, coherent nuclear reactions may be used to eliminate $\ensuremath{\pi}$ exchange and enhance $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\phi}$-type exchanges, thus allowing study of the behavior of these exchanges. Calculations are given for production on ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$, giving a crude estimate of 35 \ensuremath{\mu}b for $\ensuremath{\pi}+{\mathrm{He}}^{4}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}+{\mathrm{He}}^{4}$. We also consider the general properties of coherent production reactions, including the $A$ dependence of coherent reactions, the suppression of incoherent mechanisms at low momentum transfer, and the competition with production in the Coulomb field. We also consider "semicoherent" reactions in which the nucleus is excited to special states as a means of isolating particular components of the two-body scattering matrix.
Plasma Defocusing in High Harmonic Generation with Long-Wavelength Driver Pulses

Plasma defocusing in gas media and its impact on high-order harmonic generation (HHG) is discussed. It confines HHG with long-wavelength driver pulses to short propagation lengths significantly diminishing the HHG yield from high density media.
Visual impairment associated with mutism after posterior fossa surgery in children.

OBJECTIVE: To report four children with visual impairment associated with mutism after posterior fossa surgery. Mutism after posterior fossa surgery is a well-described phenomena, but to our knowledge, visual impairment has not been reported in association with it. METHODS: Record review of four children (age range, 3-7 yr) who underwent posterior fossa surgery (via suboccipital craniotomies) for removal of a medulloblastoma (three patients) or ependymoma (one patient). Each presented with headache, ataxia, or nausea and vomiting, but none had preoperative visual complaints other than diplopia. Postoperatively, all patients were mute, and because of apparent visual loss, neuro-ophthalmic consultation was requested. Postoperative scans and examinations were also reviewed. RESULTS: Each child was awake but appeared withdrawn without verbal output. No child blinked to threat or fixed or followed. In each case, pupillary reactivity was normal, and funduscopic examinations revealed only papilledema. One child reached for money. Within weeks or months postoperatively, the mutism spontaneously resolved, and visual behavior in general improved, roughly in parallel. During the follow-up period, papilledema resolved and the disc color was normal in each case. Magnetic resonance images obtained postoperatively revealed nothing remarkable, except surgical defects, without lesions in the retrogeniculate pathway. CONCLUSION: Impaired visual behavior, mimicking cortical visual loss, may be associated with mutism after posterior fossa surgery in children. The prognosis for recovery is excellent and parallels the return of normal speech. The mechanism is unclear.
Hydroxyethyl Starch: Extracellular Cryophylactic Agent for Erythrocytes

Studies in vitro indicate that hydroxyethyl starch is an effective extracellular cryoprotective agent for erythrocytes. It is as effective as polyvinylpyrrolidone in cryophylactic ability. It is degraded to glucose units in the circulation, is not retained in tissues, and is inexpensive to produce. Changes in the size and degree of hydroxyethylation of the branched-chain starch may result in a more effective cryoprotective agent.