cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma: a review and update.

A large number of immunohistochemical markers that can assist in the differential diagnosis of epithelioid mesotheliomas are currently available. Because these markers are expressed differently in the various types of carcinomas that can metastasize to the serosal membranes and can potentially be confused with epithelioid mesothelioma, their selection for inclusion in a diagnostic panel largely depends on the differential diagnosis, as well as on which ones work the best in a given laboratory. Traditionally, the panels used in the differential diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma have consisted of a combination of positive mesothelioma markers and broad-spectrum carcinoma markers. At present, a wide variety of organ-associated carcinoma markers such as thyroid transcription factor-1 and napsin A for the lung, PAX 8 and PAX 2 for the kidney, and Mullerian-derived tumors; gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 and mammaglobin for the breast; and CDX2 for intestinal differentiation are available, which can assist in establishing the site of origin of an adenocarcinoma when included in a diagnostic panel. This article provides updated information on the composition of the panels of markers recommended in the various differential diagnoses.
Thermospheric production of O(1S) by dissociative recombination of vibrationally excited O2

High spectral resolution line profiles at 5577 A of the nighttime, F-region O(1S) emission measured by the Fabry-Perot interferometer on board the Dynamics Explorer satellite are analyzed using a continuous O(1S) relaxation model. The model is an improvement over the previous model of Killeen and Hays (1981) in that energy loss via elastic collision is considered in addition to the single collision, excitation exchange thermalization process. The results show that the active channel for O(1S) production is capture into the 1Sigma(+)u repulsive state of O2 and that the main contributor to its production is the dissociative recombination of O2(+) ions in vibrational levels v = 1 and 2 in agreement with the quantal calculations of Guberman (1983).
Discussion: The Theory and Strategy of Community Development

I have had for some time a basic confusion in my own mind as to what is meant by community development or community resource development. These two papers haven't completely solved my problem. But surely they present the concept more clearly than in a recent conference where community resource development was defined as (1) helping people help themselves and (2) a process by which those in the community organize and take action to solve group problems. To encompass all possibilities, an extension administrator said, "When you talk about CRD, you must think of CRD as the total extension program." At least, neither of the two people presenting papers today want quite this much for community development. Getting back to the papers themselves, I was pleased that Warren emphasized the importance of relating community development activities to the economic factors of the larger community. So much of our CD efforts have been directed toward building a community center or getting pure water for the community that the relevance of relating to the larger area doesn't exist. Warren very correctly, I think, says that the focus of much CD effort has been on trying to restore the old-fashioned town meeting models of social participation. A good many of the CD efforts I've seen fall in this category, and I agree that this isn't likely to be a very fruitful approach in our modem society. Bottum spells out an alternative to the town meeting approach in his paper. Apparently, he finds this method productive in terms of isolating local leadership and determining the goals of these leaders. He points out that it is the people who count who must be discovered; that is, community development workers must have access to the decision-makers. He puts forth a stout defense of this method of reliance on the decision-makers and their goals in developing a workable program in community development. He recognizes that certain "reformers" are critical of this approach as perpetuating the status quo. Although I never classified myself as a "reformer," I do have these same reservations. In many of the communities with which I'm familiar, some of the most important problems are those of education, access to jobs, and racial discrimination. It may be that the community leaders (the decision-makers) perceive these and similar problems and see their solution as important, but my experience suggests that this isn't always likely. Still, we may be able to use the gen-
Integrating social impact assessment with research: the case of methylmercury in fish in the Mobile-Alabama River Basin

This interdisciplinary project in the southeastern United States illustrates the utility of integrating biophysical research with social impact assessment (SIA) to affect public policy. The research concerned environmental factors contributing to mercury getting into the aquatic food chain. Mercury is a heavy metal having toxic effects on humans; eating fish is the main pathway for exposure. Unsafe levels in humans have become a world-wide concern. SIA and public involvement processes framed the initiative and placed the study into the policy arena. Accordingly, officials are evaluating policies and directing additional support to mercury research, including addressing health/social impacts and remedial actions for at-risk groups.
Interactions of Topically Applied Piperonyl Butoxide and Malathion in producing Lethal Action in House Flies.

The nature of the antagonistic effects of piperonyl butoxide to the toxic action of malathion on house flies, Musca domestica L., was investigated. Malathion was topically applied to various sites on the house fly body with varying degrees of toxicity. The same phenomena occurred for the relative toxicity of malathion in combination with piperonyl butoxide. The antagonistic effects of piperonyl butoxide were demonstrated even when it was applied on a separate area of the integument, separated from malathion treatment site, in nearly simultaneous topical applications to individual flies. The antagonistic effects of piperonyl butoxide decreased slowly over a 30-hourperiod, when it was applied first, followed at varying time intervals by the toxicant. In the reverse order of treatment such antagonistic effects decreased rapidly over a range of 30 minutes between the applications of malathion and piperonyl butoxide. The application of piperonyl butoxide 1 to 2 hours before malathion markedly increases the magnitude of the antagonism observed for simultaneous applications.
Institutional Volume of Heart Transplantation with Left Ventricular Assist Device Explantation Influences Graft Survival

Background There are increasing numbers of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) explantation (LVAD explant-OHT). We hypothesized that LVAD explant-OHT is a more challenging surgical procedure compared to OHT without LVAD explantation and that institutional LVAD explant-OHT procedural volume would be associated with post-transplant graft survival. We sought to assess the impact of institutional volume of LVAD explant-OHT on post-transplant graft survival. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for adult OHTs with long-term LVAD explantation. LVAD explant-OHT volume was characterized on the basis of the center's year-specific total OHT volume (OHTvol) and year-specific LVAD explant-OHT volume quartile (LVADvolQ). The effect of LVADvolQ on graft survival (death or re-transplantation) was analyzed. Results From 2004 to 2011, 2,681 patients underwent OHT with LVAD explantation (740 with HeartMate XVE, 1,877 with HeartMate II and 64 with HeartWare devices). LVAD explant-OHT at centers falling in the lowest LVADvolQ was associated with reduced post-transplant graft survival ( p = 0.022). After adjusting for annualized OHTvol (HR = 0.998, 95% CI 0.993 to 1.003, p = 0.515 and pulsatile XVE (HR = 0.842, 95% CI 0.688 to 1.032, p = 0.098), multivariate analysis confirmed a significantly (approximately 37%) increased risk of post-transplant graft failure among explant-OHT procedures occurring at centers in the lowest volume quartile (HR = 1.371, 95% CI 1.030 to 1.825, p = 0.030). Conclusion Graft survival is decreased when performed at centers falling in the lowest quartile of LVAD explant-OHT for a given year. This volume–survival relationship should be considered in the context of limited donor organ availability and the rapidly growing number of LVAD centers.
Quality outcomes among efficient and inefficient nursing homes: a national study.

Background With an anticipated increased use of nursing homes to serve an aging population in the United States, questions regarding the quality and cost of nursing home services come to the fore. Such questions are the concern of nursing home residents, their families, private and public payers, policy makers, regulators, and nursing home operators. Purposes The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between quality of care and efficiency of nursing homes to determine the characteristics of facilities that achieve high quality and high efficiency. The study sought also to determine the extent to which nursing homes can provide high-quality services and do so with a high level of efficiency. Methodology/approach This was a cross-sectional study of a 10% random sample of U.S. nursing homes, excluding those in hospitals and also those with fewer than 20 beds or more than 360 beds. Data sources were the Online Survey Certification and Reporting, the Area Resource File database, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Data envelopment analysis was employed in the analysis of data. Findings The average efficiency of nursing homes was 0.869 (SD = 0.1362), with a statistically significant higher average efficiency for nursing homes in urban areas; in counties with a higher level of competition, higher average income, or higher number of home health agencies; and in not-for-profit and governmental facilities. Quality measures were compared between efficient and inefficient nursing homes, showing mostly favorable quality outcomes for efficient nursing homes. Practice implications Families and residents evaluating or in search of nursing homes can be confident that high-quality, efficient nursing homes exist. Legislators, policy makers, regulators, payers, and administrators can be confident that the setting of standards that encourage striving for both quality and efficiency simultaneously is indeed realistic.
California psychological inventory differences between undergraduate suicide ideators and nonideators

In order to assess personality characteristics of suicide ideators, 46 college students were divided into two groups on the basis of whether they reported that they thought about suicide (n = 15) or not (n = 31). Although both groups were below norms on these items, as predicted, ideators were less healthy than nonideators in terms of dominance, social presence, responsibility, intellectual efficiency, and psychological mindedness. These personality weaknesses may lead to the hopelessness that is associated with suicidal ideations.
Sodium-calcium exchange activity generates a current in cardiac membrane vesicles

Sarcolemmal membrane vesicles isolated from canine ventricular tissue accumulate calcium through the sodium-calcium exchange system when an outwardly directed sodium gradient is generated across the vesicle membrane. Moreover, calcium uptake under these conditions is accompanied by the transient accumulation of the lipophilic cation tetraphenylphosphonium. Since the distribution of tetraphenylphosphonium across biological membranes reflects the magnitude and direction of transmembrane potential differences and the characteristics of the transient accumulation of this cation closely resemble those of sodium-calcium exchange activity, it is concluded that a membrane potential, interior negative, is produced during calcium accumulation through the exchange system. Thus, the operation of the sodium-calcium exchange system generates a current in cardiac membrane vesicles, suggesting that three or more sodium ions exchange for each calcium ion.
Successful result from delayed streptokinase administration: Subtotal thrombotic occlusion in a subsequently normal coronary artery

This report describes successful results from intracoronary streptokinase administered beginning 6 hr after onset of symptoms to a 32-year-old male with subtotal vessel occlusion by thrombus. Coronary angiography 26 days later demonstrated normal vessels. We conclude that 1) duration of symptoms beyond 3-4 hr should not preclude the use of thrombolytic therapy in evolving myocardial infarction, 2) this patient exemplifies the higher incidence of subsequently demonstrated normal coronary arteries in patients under age 35 with acute myocardial infarction; arterial spasm and platelet aggregation are the most likely causes of coronary occlusion in these patients.
Role of aldose reductase and oxidative damage in diabetes and the consequent potential for therapeutic options.

Aldose reductase (AR) is widely expressed aldehyde-metabolizing enzyme. The reduction of glucose by the AR-catalyzed polyol pathway has been linked to the development of secondary diabetic complications. Although treatment with AR inhibitors has been shown to prevent tissue injury in animal models of diabetes, the clinical efficacy of these drugs remains to be established. Recent studies suggest that glucose may be an incidental substrate of AR, which appears to be more adept in catalyzing the reduction of a wide range of aldehydes generated from lipid peroxidation. Moreover, inhibition of the enzyme has been shown to increase inflammation-induced vascular oxidative stress and prevent myocardial protection associated with the late phase of ischemic preconditioning. On the basis of these studies, several investigators have ascribed an important antioxidant role to the enzyme. Additionally, ongoing work indicates that AR is a critical component of intracellular signaling, and inhibition of the enzyme preven...
The dilemma of thought reform: Beijing reformatories and the origins of reeducation through labor, 1949-1957

This article explores the efforts of the early People’s Republic of China (PRC) to intern and reform beggars, prostitutes, and other socially marginalized individuals as important precursors to the...
Combustion of carbonaceous deposits within porous catalyst particles: II. Intrinsic burning rate

Abstract All observations concerning intrinsic burning rates of carbonaceous deposits on various porous oxide supports are consistent within a relatively simple mechanistic framework of behavior. 1. (1) For a given support, the rate of carbon burnoff is largely independent of the source and structure of the coke. 2. (2) The kinetics of coke burning in oxides of silica, alumina, and magnesia show both quantitative and qualitative resemblances to the combustion of pure graphite, and suggest the existence of a basic, uncatalyzed burning rate on such oxides. 3. (3) The presence of oxides of transition metals results in coke burning rates up to several orders of magnitude higher than the aforementioned uncatalyzed rate at any given temperature. 4. (4) An examination of the Arrhenius plots of catalyzed and uncatalyzed coke burning rates presents a challenge to mechanistic interpretation, particularly of the catalytic effect of metal additions.
1-soliton solution of the generalized Zakharov–Kuznetsov modified equal width equation

Abstract This paper obtains the solitary wave solution of the generalized Zakharov–Kuznetsov modified equal width equation. The solitary wave ansatz method is used to carry out the integration of this equation. A couple of conserved quantities are calculated. The domain restriction is identified for the power law nonlinearity parameter.
The life histories of sponges in the Mystic and Thames estuaries (Connecticut), with emphasis on larval settlement and postlarval reproduction

Abstract Larval settlement was studied on cultch shells suspended in the Mystic and Thames estuaries for periods of 2 to 4 wk from late spring through early winter, and young postlarval sponges collected on cultch and other surfaces exposed for several months were examined to determine if they had become reproductive. The settlement of seven species of sponge was followed in the Mystic Estuary and that of three species was observed in the Thames Estuary. Halichondria sp. and Haliclona sp. exhibited long periods of larval recruitment (4 to 7 months) and newly established postlarval specimens of these sponges produced larvae. Scypha sp. also reproduced at an early age. It is suggested that postlarval reproduction may be common among sponges. Postlarval specimens of Haliclona sp. and Prosuberites epiphytum (Lamarck) produce gemmules. Lissodendoryx isodictyalis (Carter), Microciona prolifera (Ellis & Solander) and occasionally Halichondria sp. regress to a dormant form lacking flagellated chambers during the winter; and Cliona celata (Grant) becomes quiescent, retracting its oscula and papillae during this period.
Physical Activity and Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Elderly Women

Objective: The relationship between cardiorespiratory exercise and serum lipid and lipoprotein levels was studied in elderly women. Design: Randomized controlled experimental design with a follow up of 12 weeks; cross-sectional comparison at baseline. Setting: Community-living elders in university exercise facilities. Participants: Thirty-two apparently healthy, sedentary elderly Caucasian women, 67 to 85 years of age. Ten highly conditioned elderly women, 65 to 84 years of age, who were active in endurance competitions and had been training for 11.2 ±: 1.2 years, were recruited at baseline for cross-sectional comparisons. Interventions: Sedentary subjects were randomized to either a walking or calisthenic group. Intervention groups exercised 30 to 40 minutes, 5 days a week for 12 weeks, with the walking group training at 60% heart rate reserve and the calisthenic group engaging in mild range-of-motion and flexibility movements that kept their heart rates close to resting levels. Measurements: Serum lipids and lipoproteins, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), four skinfolds, and dietary intake at baseline and after 5 and 12 weeks. Results: When the highly conditioned group and combined group of sedentary subjects were compared at baseline, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 1.61 ± 0.14 vs 1.27 ± 0.05 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.048) and triglycerides (1.29 ± 0.15 vs 2.00 ± 0.15, respectively; P = 0.002), but not total serum cholesterol (5.72 ± 0.36 vs 5.72 ± 0.19 mmol/L, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; 3.62 ± 0.36 vs 3.72 ± 0.18 mmol/L, respectively), were significantly different. Twelve weeks of moderate cardiorespiratory exercise improved the VO2max of the sedentary subjects 12.6% but did not result in any change in body weight, energy intake, dietary quality, or any of the serum lipids or lipoproteins. Conclusion: Highly conditioned and lean elderly women, when compared with their sedentary counterparts, had higher HDL-C and lower triglycerides, but similar total serum cholesterol and LDL-C values. However, twelve weeks of moderate cardiorespiratory exercise were not associated with an improvement in serum lipid or lipoprotein profiles in previously sedentary elderly women.
Changes in Plasma Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance and Other Physiological Parameters of Adult Female Turkeys under Conditions of Acute Hyperthermia

The effects of acute hyperthermia on certain physiological parameters of turkey hens was studied. It was found that the response of the turkey to hyperthermia is similar to the reported response of the chicken. The birds began panting and the average body temperature increased 0.1 degrees C. as the ambient temperature reached 32 degrees C. The panting or polypnea induced a profound respiratory alkalosis in the turkeys. The acute hyperthermia also caused a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in plasma levels of sodium, total calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus. The plasma level of potassium was significantly (P less than 0.05) increased.
Performing the Village Square in Interwar Japan: Toward a Hidden History of Public Space

Histories of public space generally assume a strong correlation between the health of a nation's civil society and the vibrancy of its public sites, in so much as the latter provide an observable venue for free assembly and popular protest. This essay, while not opposing such a view, offers a corrective to the kind of history it encourages, wherein public space appears politically relevant only at its most visible moments. Framing the analysis is Japanese provincial writer Miyazawa Kenji (1896–1933) and his “Poran no hiroba” (Poran's Square), which survives as a piece of school theater and an evolving prose narrative about a rural youth who reclaims for his agrarian community a site of shared assembly. By interrogating public space as an object of the literary and theatrical imagination, specifically in the context of interwar rural Japan, the author argues that its less visible aspects have much to tell us about its relation to civil society, both perceived and actual, in the waning years of “Imperial Democracy.”
Amino acid metabolism in euryhaline bivalves: Regulation of glycine accumulation in ribbed mussel gills

Glycine levels in isolated ribbed mussel (Modiolus demissus) gill tissue increased slightly and decreased markedly when incubated at high and low salinities, respectively. Low levels of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of serine from triose phosphate intermediates, the serine hydroxy-methyltransferase, and serine dehydrase were detected in gill tissue homogenates. Experiments using gill tissue incubated with (U-14C)-glycine and (U-14C)-serine indicated interconversion between serine and glycine and transfer of label to alanine, asparate, glutamate, CO2, organic acids, and protein. Glyoxylate was metabolized more slowly than glycine and was probably converted to glycine for catabolism. Studies using (1-14C)-glycine and (2-14C)-glycine with isolated gill tissue and mitochondria indicated that the mitochondrial glycine cleavage enzyme was the major route of glycine catabolism. Metabolic controls activating or inhibiting the glycine cleavage enzyme regulate tissue glycine accumulation and catabolism during hypersalinity or hyposalinity stress.
Vacancy-induced transitions in hcp 3 He

It is known from the work of Nagaoka that in hcp or fcc 3He a ferromagnetic alignment of nuclear spins does not give the lowest vacancy energy. We show that an ordered spin structure has a lower vacancy energy than either random or ferromagnetic structures. We study the possibility of vacancies inducing a transition to this spin structure, and of vacancies forming polarons. The latter is found to be more likely, and we estimate the fraction of vacancies forming polarons as a function of temperature. We briefly comment on the case of a vacancy in crystals of 4He with 3He impurity.
Use of Dubos Medium for Culture of M. tuberculosis from Sputum

SummaryThe use of a mild reagent (2.5% solution of ammonium carbonate) for homogenization and concentration of tuberculous sputa and the addition of penicillin (0.05 to 2 units per ml) to the culture medium permits the successful application of Dubos medium to the routine culture of M. tuberculosis from sputum. Of 400 examined sputa, 34 (8.5%) were positive by culture method and negative by microscopic examination. The advantage of the culture method is obvious. As compared with other culture methods, the use of Dubos media is inexpensive, easily learned by an average technician, suitable for daily examination of a large number of specimens, and what is more, offers the advantage of a rapid (within 8 to 15 days) culture diagnosis of sputa containing relatively small numbers of M. tuberculosis.
Has Inflation Uncertainty Hampered Economic Growth in Latin America

Using time series data, this paper investigates for a number of Latin American countries the validity of the Friedman hypothesis that inflation uncertainty inhibits economic growth. The empirical results are based on the Akaike/Granger-causality procedure and generated from system estimations. For most of the countries in the sample, the results do not reject the friedman hypothesis. Consequently, the erratic inflationary environment in the Latin American countries of recent years seems to have played a significant role in hampering their economic development [130]
Science, New Worlds, and the Classical Tradition: An Introduction

AbstractThe articles in this volume offer interventions in the history of encounters between new worlds and the intellectual traditions inherited from and informed by classical antiquity, in the period roughly spanning 1450-1850. Ranging in scope from medical treatments to devil-worship, from cosmography to climate theory, from rhetorical colloquies to the interpretation of widow-burning, they show how early modern scholars, artisans, and travelers drew on multiple cultural traditions within Europe, as well as on indigenous knowledge networks in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, in their attempts to incorporate new information into their existing world-view.
The day to-day criminality of heroin addicts in Baltimore — A study in the continuity of offence rates

It has now been established that heroin addiction in the contemporary United States is associated with exceedingly high crime rates [1–10]. Indeed, recent studies [11,12] have reported that heroin addicts are frequently involved in criminal behavior on a daily basis and that, consequently, they commit hundreds or thousands of offences per individual during their addiction careers. Furthermore, it is becoming apparent that the scope and magnitude of the crime problem associated with opiate addiction is not only due to the frequency with which addicts commit ‘victimless’ crimes and lesser offences, but that many of their offences are serious and destructive. Thus, Chaiken and Chaiken [13] found in their study of incarcerated criminals in three states that violent predators (i.e. serious and frequent offenders) had ‘characteristic histories of drug use’. Although heroin was not the only drug associated with high rates of serious offences, they reported that most violent predators “began using several types of ‘hard’ drugs, and using them heavily, as juveniles. Indeed, their use of drugs and their criminal careers usually began at about the same time.” It may be said, then, that heroin addiction is clearly entwined in our national crime problem, and that this association is most evident when either persistent offenders or persistent drug abusers are studied.
TETRAHYDROTHIOPHENE DESULFURIZATION ON CO-MO/GAMMA -AL2O3 : A TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTS (TAP) INVESTIGATION

The catalytic reactions of tetrahydrothiophene, thiophene, 1-butene, 1,3-butadiene, and n-butane with hydrogen were studied at low pressure over a commercial cobalt molybdate catalyst. The formation sequence of tetrahydrothiophene desulfurization products was monitored with submilli-second time resolution using the temporal analysis of products (TAP) transient microreactor technique. The TAP experiments showed that butene and butadiene were the only hydrocarbon desulfurization products formed, although rapid dehydrogenation to thiophene was also observed. The exceptional time resolution of the TAP spectrometer provided evidence that the butene formed could not be accounted for by a mechanism involving butadiene hydrogenation. The results suggested a desulfurization mechanism for tetrahydrothiophene wherein C4 hydrocarbon formation proceeds via a surface butene thiolate intermediate produced by a single β-hydride elimination. It is proposed that 1,3-butadiene is formed by a slow subsequent β-hydride elimination of the intermediate, while rapid C-S bond hydrogenolysis involving surface hydrogen is responsible for butene formation.
Automated tumor segmentation using kernel sparse representations

In this paper, we describe a pixel based approach for automated segmentation of tumor components from MR images. Sparse coding with data-adapted dictionaries has been successfully employed in several image recovery and vision problems. Since it is trivial to obtain sparse codes for pixel values, we propose to consider their non-linear similarities to perform kernel sparse coding in a high dimensional feature space. We develop the kernel K-lines clustering procedure for inferring kernel dictionaries and use the kernel sparse codes to determine if a pixel belongs to a tumorous region. By incorporating spatial locality information of the pixels, contiguous tumor regions can be efficiently identified. A low complexity segmentation approach, which allows the user to initialize the tumor region, is also presented. Results show that both of the proposed approaches lead to accurate tumor identification with a low false positive rate, when compared to manual segmentation by an expert.
A simple approximation for the Erlang loss function

Abstract In this paper we present a simple non-iterative computational procedure for approximating the Erlang loss function B ( N , ϱ ). It is applicable to the practical range 10 −5 B ( N , ϱ ) −1 and gives results that are within 10% of the exact values. The formula can be computed on a pocket calculator in constant time and could be used to approximately compute B ( N , ϱ ) for systems of practically any size.
Menopause — a modern perspective from a controversial history

Abstract The major milestones in the history of menopause provide a fascinating background to understanding current attitudes and prognosticating future trends in the perception and management of this event through which all women will inevitably pass. ‘Menopause’ is a word of multiple meanings. Once the subject of taboo; now almost in danger of overexposure. Once neglected, now recognized by multiple groups as the entry to a ‘market’. The result is a new level of confusion and even exploitation in the minds of the health profession and the public alike. A historical survey of issues relating to the menopause is therefore an ideal vehicle for providing information and perspective into this fascinating and extremely important component of women's health care. One milestone on my personal historical journey is labeled ‘Pieter van Keep’, a time and a place where we met, forged an instant and remarkable friendship and during the course of an extraordinary day conceptualized a menopause club, ultimately the International Menopause Society (I.M.S.), a journal to become Maturitas, and an idea for enhanced quality years for women by primary preventative health care, utilizing menopause as a positive entry point. Achievement of the dream of wide scale introduction of preventive health care services to a properly informed public is certain to be as successful in reducing morbidity to older women as was the introduction years ago of proper prenatal care in reducing death and disability related to childbirth. Where we were, where we are generally and the i.M.S. specifically, and where the I.M.S. should position itself in the future is the focus of this lecture, my personal ‘swan song’ to the I.M.S.
Optical Properties of Carbazole Thin Monocrystalline Films

Abstract Polarized transmission spectra of the 3400 A system of carbazole monocrystalline films have been measured. Frequencies, oscillator strengths, and half-widths of the pure electronic and vibronic bands were found by fitting experimental spectra with theoretical expressions for transmittance through a film. No factor-group splitting for this transition was detected in free mounted sublimation flakes while for the same transition of films grown from melt between silica plates the factor-group splitting is 65 cm−1. The more complex spectra of sublimation flakes on a silica substrate were interpreted as a superposition of a spectrum of a deformed region adjacent to the substrate and a spectrum of the undeformed remainder of the film. The thickness of the deformed region was found to be 0.06 μ.
Gravitational microlensing - The effect of a single lens and the impact of sparse sampling

Topics in gravitational microlensing are examined. One issue is that even in cases in which the surface mass density is quite low, microlensing events cannot be considered as caused by individual stars. Whenever a high-magnification event occurs, the quasar has crossed a caustic. These caustics, however, are complex structures even for low surface-mass densities. This is illustrated by removing a single low-mass star from an ensemble of microlenses. The magnification patterns and light curves are compared with and without this star. The differences are striking and much more complex than expected. The effect of sparse sampling on the perception of microlensed light curves is examined, and attention is given to the influence of poor time coverage on simulated light curves. A regular monitoring program for microlensing candidates (especially 2237 + 0305) with a dedicated telescope is needed to make observations in different wavebands each night.
A case-control study of necrotizing fasciitis during primary varicella.

Objective. An increase in the incidence of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) occurring in previously healthy children with primary varicella was noted in the Washington State area between December 1993 and June 1995. Our objective was to investigate ibuprofen use and other risk factors for NF in the setting of primary varicella. Methods. Case-control study. Demographic information, clinical parameters, and potential risk factors for NF were compared for cases and controls. Cases of NF were analyzed to identify potential determinants of NF complicated by renal insufficiency and/or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between ibuprofen use and NF. A case was defined as a child with NF hospitalized within 3 weeks of primary varicella (n = 19). Controls were children hospitalized with a soft tissue infection other than NF within 3 weeks of primary varicella (n = 29). Odds ratios (ORs) of ibuprofen, as well as other potential risk factors were evaluated. In addition, demographic and clinical data as well as other potential risk factors were compared between cases and controls. Results. After controlling for gender, age, and group A streptococcus isolation, cases were more likely than controls to have used ibuprofen before hospitalization (OR, 11.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 96.9). In most children, ibuprofen was initiated after the onset of symptoms of secondary infection. Children with NF complicated by renal insufficiency and/or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome were more likely than children with uncomplicated NF to have used ibuprofen (OR, 16.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 825.0). Children with complicated NF also had a higher mean maximum temperature (40.9°C vs 39.3°C), and a longer mean duration of secondary symptoms (1.7 days vs 0.6 days) before admission than children with uncomplicated NF. Conclusion. Ibuprofen use was associated with NF in the setting of primary varicella. Additional studies are needed to establish whether ibuprofen use has a causal role in the development of NF and its complications during varicella.
Bistable switching and the Mott transition

Attention is given to some aspects of the early development of solid state switching, followed by an hypothesis as to the relation of the Mott transition to the bistable switching cycle. The action in stibnite (Sb2S3) is cited, and data are appended which a good theory must account for.
Exhaustive oxidation of a nickel dithiolate complex: some mechanistic insights en route to sulfate formation.

A study of the step-wise oxidation of a Ni(II) diaminodithiolate complex through the formation of sulfate, the ultimate sulfur oxygenate, is reported. Controlled oxygenations or peroxidations of a neutral, planar, tetracoordinate, low-spin Ni(II) complex of a N2S2-donor ligand, (N,N′-dimethyl-N-N′-bis(2-mecaptoethyl)-1,3-propanediaminato) nickel(II) (1), led to a series of sulfur oxygenates that have been isolated and characterized by ESI-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A monosulfenate complex (2) was detected by ESI-MS as a product of oxidation with one equivalent of H2O2. However, this complex proved too unstable to isolate. Reaction of the dithiolate (1) with two equivalents of H2O2 or one O2 molecule leads to the formation of a monosulfinate complex (3), which was isolated and fully characterized by crystallography. The oxidation product of the monosulfinate (3) produced with either O2 or H2O2 is an interesting dimeric complex containing both sulfonate and thiolate ligands (4), this complex was fully characterized by crystallography, details of which were reported earlier by us. A disulfonate complex (7) is produced by reaction of 1 in the presence of O2 or by reaction with exactly six equivalents of H2O2. This complex was isolated and also fully characterized by crystallography. Possible intermediates in the conversion of the monosulfinate complex (3) to the disulfonate complex (7) include complexes with mixed sulfonate/sulfenate (5) or sulfonate/sulfinate (6) ligands. Complex 5, a four-oxygen adduct of 1, was not detected, but the sulfonate/sulfinate complex (6) was isolated and characterized. The oxidation chemistry of 1 is very different from that reported for other planar cis-N2S2 Ni(II) complexes including N,N′-dimethyl-N-N′-bis(2-mecaptoethyl)-1,3-ethylenediaminato) nickel(II), (8), and N,N'-bis(mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane nickel(II). To address the structural aspects of the reactivity differences, the crystal structure of 8 was also determined. A comparison of the structures of planar Ni(II) complexes containing cis-dithiolate ligands, strongly suggests that the differences in reactivity are determined in part by the degree of flexibility that is allowed by the NN' chelate ring.
The globus pallidus receives a projection from the parafascicular nucleus in the rat

Abstract Study of the afferents of the rat globus pallidus (GP) with Fluoro-gold, a retrograde tracer, revealed retrogradely labeled neurons in the ipsilateral parafascicular nucleus of the thalamus (PF), a previously undescribed afferent of the rat GP. We used the anterograde tracer,Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), to confirm and extend our findings. After injections of PHA-L in the PF, labeled fibers with varicosities and terminal specializations were observed in the ipsilateral GP. The topographical organization of the projection is such that lateral and ventral PF neurons project preferentially to respective parts of the GP, and medial PF neurons project primarily to the ventral GP. There were very few labeled fibers seen in the dorsal or medial GP. The presently described projection from the PF to the GP provides an additional route for the PF to influence basal ganglia circuitry.
Serum and saliva cortisol relations in adolescents during pregnancy and the early postpartum period

The purpose of this investigation was to examine: (1) relations between serum and saliva cortisol in adolescents in pregnancy and early postpartum and (2) short-term consistency of serum and saliva cortisol across three samples, 20 minutes apart, as well as the long-term consistency from pregnancy to early postpartum. Pregnant adolescents (n = 40), ages 14 to 19 years, were enrolled in this study. Subjects were seen at 20 weeks gestation or earlier (T1), 34-36 weeks gestation (T2), and 2-3 weeks postpartum (T3). Blood samples were drawn at T1 and T3, at 0, 20, and 40 minutes. Saliva samples were collected across the same 40-minute period at T1, T2, and T3. Spearman rho (rs) correlation coefficients between serum and saliva ranged from 0.72 to 0.77 (T1), and 0.42 to 0.60 (T3) (p < or = 0.05). Short-term consistency between serum cortisol samples was 0.86-0.97 at T1 and 0.60-0.82 at T3. Short-term consistency for saliva cortisol samples was 0.70-0.96 at T1, 0.91-0.95 at T2, and 0.64-0.89 at T3. Long-term consistency (T1 to T3) for serum and saliva cortisol was low. Individual differences as well as dramatic changes in the endocrine environment in pregnancy and the early postpartum period may explain the more moderate serum-saliva correlations in the postpartum period.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Recirculating Laboratory Hood

Ductless, benchtop hoods have become a popular tool for use in the control of toxic substances in the laboratory. Low price and ease of installation are major factors contributing to their increased utilization. Little objective performance data exist for these devices. One such hood was evaluated for efficacy as an engineering control in typical laboratory applications. Face velocity, flow profile, ability to retain vapors, sorptive capacity of the filter media and overall worker protection were evaluated. The manufacturer's report of an average face velocity of 30.6 cm/s (60 fpm) proved to be accurate; however, this value was found to be substandard when compared with the hood and room design criteria which must be met for this rate to provide adequate control. The hood was designed in a manner which prevented smooth flow through the hood and increased observed turbulence and rolling. The sorptive capacity of the carbon filter proved to be comparable to that reported for organic vapor respirator cartrid...
167 ZINC STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH KALLMANN SYNDROME AND ITS RESPONSE TO TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT

167 ZINC STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH KALLMANN SYNDROME AND ITS RESPONSE TO TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT
Prediction that Cm2-zThzSr2Cu2NbOx and Gd2-zCezSr2Cu2TiOx will superconduct

Abstract Properly fabricated and doped Cm 2− z Th z Sr 2 Cu 2 NbO x and homologues of Gd 2− z Ce z Sr 2 Cu 2 TiO x , both with x ≈ 10, are predicted to superconduct, based on the charge-reservoir oxygen model of high-temperature superconductivity. In cuprate-plane models, (i) since neither CmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 nor Cm 2− z Th z CuO 4 superconducts, Cm 2− z Th z Sr 2 Cu 2 NbO x is not expected to superconduct; and (ii) Gd 2− z Ce z Sr 2 Cu 2 TiO x is expected not to superconduct since a similar compound, Nd 2 CeSr 2 Cu 2 TiO x , did not.
Improving simulated soil temperatures and soil freeze/thaw at high‐latitude regions in the Simple Biosphere/Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford Approach model

[1] Proper simulation of soil temperature and permafrost at high latitudes in land surface models requires proper simulation of the processes that control snowpack development. The Simple Biosphere/Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (SiBCASA) did not account for depth hoar development and wind compaction, which dominate snow processes at high latitudes. Consequently, SiBCASA had difficulty properly simulating seasonal soil freeze/thaw and permafrost. We improved simulated soil temperatures at high latitudes by (1) incorporating a snow classification scheme that includes depth hoar development and wind compaction, (2) including the effects of organic matter on soil physical properties, and (3) increasing the soil column depth. We ran test simulations at eddy covariance flux tower sites using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) as input meteorology. The NARR captured the observed variability in air temperature, but tended to overestimate precipitation. These changes produced modest improvements in simulated soil temperature at the midlatitude sites because the original snow model already included the weight compaction, thermal aging, and melting processes that dominate snowpack evolution at these locations. We saw significant improvement in simulated soil temperatures and active layer depth at the high-latitude tundra and boreal forest sites. Adding snow classifications had the biggest effect on simulated soil temperatures at the tundra site while the organic soil properties had the biggest effect at the boreal forest site. Implementing snow classes, a deeper soil column, or organic soil properties separately was not sufficient to produce realistic soil temperatures and freeze/thaw processes at high latitudes. Only the combined effects of simultaneously implementing all three changes significantly improved the simulated soil temperatures and active layer depth at the tundra and boreal sites.
Studies of bacterial aerotaxis in a microfluidic device.

Aerotaxis, the directional motion of bacteria in gradients of oxygen, was discovered in the late 19th century and has since been reported in a variety of bacterial species. Nevertheless, quantitative studies of aerotaxis have been complicated by the lack of tools for generation of stable gradients of oxygen concentration, [O2]. Here we report a series of experiments on aerotaxis of Escherichia coli in a specially built experimental setup consisting of a computer-controlled gas mixer and a two-layer microfluidic device made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The setup enables generation of a variety of stable linear profiles of [O2] across a long gradient channel, with characteristic [O2] ranging from aerobic to microaerobic conditions. A suspension of E. coli cells is perfused through the gradient channel at a low speed, allowing cells enough time to explore the [O2] gradient, and the distribution of cells across the gradient channel is analyzed near the channel outlet at a throughput of >105 cells per hour. Aerotaxis experiments are performed in [O2] gradients with identical logarithmic slopes and varying mean concentrations, as well as in gradients with identical mean concentrations and varying slopes. Experiments in gradients with [O2] ranging from 0 to ∼11.5% indicate that, in contrast to some previous reports, E. coli cells do not congregate at some intermediate level of [O2], but rather prefer the highest accessible [O2]. The presented technology can be applied to studies of aerotaxis of other aerobic and microaerobic bacteria.
Chemokines Accumulate in the Lungs of Rats with Severe Pulmonary Embolism Induced by Polystyrene Microspheres

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PEm) is a serious and life threatening disease and the most common cause of acute pulmonary vascular occlusion. Even following successful treatment of PEm, many patients experience long-term disability due to diminished heart and lung function. Considerable damage to the lungs presumably occurs due to reperfusion injury following anti-occlusive treatments for PEm and the resulting chronic inflammatory state in the lung vasculature. We have used a rat model of irreversible PEm to ask whether pulmonary vascular occlusion in the absence of reperfusion is itself sufficient to induce an inflammatory response in lungs. By adjusting the severity of the vascular occlusion, we were able to generate hypertensive and nonhypertensive PEm, and then examine lung tissue for expression of CXC and C-C chemokine genes and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid for the presence of chemokine proteins. Hypertensive and nonhypertensive PEm resulted in increased expression of both CXC and C-C chemokines genes in lung tissues. Hypertensive PEm was also associated with a 50-100-fold increase in protein content in lung BAL fluid, which included the CXC chemokines cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant and macrophage-inflammatory protein 2. The presence of chemokines in BALs was reflected by a potent neutrophil chemotactic activity in in vitro chemotaxis assays. Abs to cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant blocked the in vitro neutrophil chemotactic activity of BAL by 44%. Our results indicate that the ischemia and hypertension associated with PEm are sufficient to induce expression of proinflammatory mediators such as chemokines, and establish a proinflammatory environment in the ischemic lung even before reperfusion.