Alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound scanning in the prenatal diagnosis of Turner's Syndrome

Based on data from 5 cases of fetal cystic hygroma (4 cases of Turner's Syndrome and one case of Trisomy 18) and one case of Down's Syndrome with severe subcutaneous oedema, it is concluded that amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is normal or only slightly elevated in such cases whereas AFP in fluid from the cystic structures is very high. Reported high values of ‘amniotic fluid’ AFP are therefore likely to have been obtained from fluids accidentally drawn from the cystic structures. Fluids from the two sources cannot be distinguished from each other visually. In support of this theory is that the maternal serum AFP was found to be normal in all cases where investigated. In the diagnosis of cystic hygromata detailed ultrasound scanning will reveal the correct diagnosis.     

Attachment strength and colonization patterns of two macrofouling species on substrata with different surface tension (in situ studies)

Attachment strength and colonization patterns of one barnacle (Balanus c.f. variegatus) and one polychaete species (Pomatoleios kraussii) on seven artificial substrata with surface tensions between 19 and 64.5 mNm^-1 were studied between June 1991 and January 1992 at Laem Than (Chonburi province, Gulf of Thailand). The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the role that surface tension plays under natural conditions in colonization success by these species. Does stronger adhesion to one substratum result in higher densities of specimens on that particular surface? Although both species adhere much better on substrata with higher surface tension than on surfaces with low surface tension (B. c.f. variegatus: between 0.04×10⁵ and 16.35×10⁵ Nm^-2 on surfaces of 22 and 33.5 mNm^-1, respectively; P. kraussii: between 0.22×10⁵ and 1.73×10⁵ Nm^-2 on 19 and 33.5 mNm^-1, respectively), colonization pattern is not influenced by surface tension. The major factors influencing settlement patterns seem to be space competition for B. c.f. variegatus and attraction to already settled adults by P. kraussii. The results show that the importance of surface tension in marine fouling control is limited because organisms colonize substrata successfully despite lower adhesion. Attachment strength is not a limiting factor under natural conditions.     

Environmental cleanup: The challenge at the Hanford Site,Washington, USA

Numerous challenges face those involved with developing a coordinated and consistent approach to cleaning up the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hanford Site in southeastern Washington. These challenges are much greater than those encountered when the site was selected and the world’s first nuclear complex was developed almost 50 years ago. This article reviews Hanford’s history, operations, waste storage/disposal activities, environmental monitoring, and today’s approach to characterize and clean up Hanford under a Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order, signed by DOE, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Washington Sate Department of Ecology. Although cleanup of defense-related waste at Hanford holds many positive benefits, negative features include high costs to the US taxpayer, numerous uncertainties concerning the technologies to be employed and the risks involved, and the high probability that special interest groups and activists at large will never be completely satisfied. Issues concerning future use of the site, whether to protect and preserve its natural features or open it to public exploitation, remain to be resolved.     

Profiles of commitment: An empirical test

Prior research has demonstrated the importance of distinguishing among foci and bases of commitment. Foci of commitment are the individuals and groups to whom an employee is attached, and bases of commitment are the motives engendering attachment. This study uses distinctions among foci and bases of commitment to develop four profiles of commitment, and examines the extent to which differences in these patterns predict other variables. Cluster analysis of 440 employees suggests the following profiles: (1) The Locally Committed (employees who are attached to their supervisor and work group), (2) the Globally Committed (who are attached to top management and the organization), (3) the Committed (who are attached to both local and global foci), and (4) the Uncommitted (who are attached to neither local nor global foci). The profiles are differentially related to intent to quit, job satisfaction, prosocial organizational behaviors, and certain demographic and contextual variables. Implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.