cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in adolescents with mild asthma

The majority of individuals with asthma have mild disease, often in conjunction with allergic rhinitis and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Although health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) is reduced in moderate to severe asthma and allergic rhinitis, little is known about the effect of mild asthma, mild allergic rhinitis, and EIB on HRQoL outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mild asthma, allergic rhinitis, and EIB on HRQoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 160 adolescent athletes participating in a screening program to detect EIB. Generic HRQoL was assessed with the teen version of the pediatric quality-of-life inventory (PedsQL™). Prior diagnoses of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and EIB, and current symptoms of dyspnea during exercise and asthma, were recorded. Lung function and the presence of EIB were determined by spirometry before and after an exercise challenge test. Adolescent athletes with a prior physician diagnosis of asthma had a lower HRQoL scale summary score (P < 0.01) and lower physical functioning, emotional functioning, and school functioning domain scores (P values, 0.01–0.02) in comparison to adolescent athletes with no prior diagnosis of these disorders. Athletes with a prior diagnosis of asthma reported dyspnea during exercise more frequently than did those without asthma (P < 0.001). Adolescent athletes with dyspnea during exercise had a lower scale summary score, and lower physical functioning, general well-being, and emotional functioning domain scores (P values, 0.02–0.03). These data show that mild asthma and dyspnea without asthma significantly affect HRQoL. Symptoms of dyspnea during exercise are common in asthma and are associated with lower HRQoL. The clinical significance of these differences in HRQoL is unclear. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:536–543. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
NMR spectroscopy in the characterization of eight selected asphalts

ABSTRACT Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to partially characterize eight selected asphalts. This report describes the initial efforts in this endeavor. Proton and carbon spectra have been collected and analyzed for percent aromatic content as well as aromatic substitution. DEFT results, chemical shifts and literature precedent have been used to assign the major resonances in the aliphatic region to chemical entities. Finally, using elemental analysis data, molecular weight data and NMR results, average structures for the eight asphalts have been derived
Biases in Dairy Sire Evaluation Attributable to Genetic Trend and Female Selection

Abstract Genetic trend, female selection, and proportion of cows completing a given lactation were estimated with records (305-day, 2×, mature basis) from six Southestern states. There were 251,322 Holstein and 59,274 Jersey records for calvings between October, 1964, and November, 1968. Female selection defined as the average of selected cows minus the mean of all cows was 164 kg milk for Holsteins and 161 kg for Jerseys. Genetic trend in annual milk production was 53 and 25 kg for Holsteins and Jerseys. Young sires with first progeny information just available, when compared to an older sire with progeny information for the previous eight years, may be rated lower simply as a result of female selection and genetic trend. This difference in the average of daughters minus adjusted-herd-mate average was at least 75 kg milk for Holsteins and 54 kg for Jerseys. An alternative to the present U.S. Department of Agriculture herdmate deviation was suggested, that of using only first-lactation contemporaries rather than all-lactation herdmates. Although there are approximately one-third as many contemporaries and contemporary sires as herdmates and herdmate sires, variance of adjusted deviations increased 5% or less for contemporary over herdmate deviations. Correlations of successive annual sire evaluations on contemporary or herdmate comparisons indicated either method was equally acceptable by this criterion. The contemporary method would avoid biases due to female selection, reduce computing costs, and permit clearer interpretation of sire summaries.
Human ribosomal protein L37 has motifs predicting serine/threonine phosphorylation and a zinc-finger domain

Ribosomal protein L37 mRNA is overexpressed in colon cancer. The nucleotide sequences of human L37 from several tumor and normal, colon and liver cDNA sources were determined to be identical. L37 mRNA was ∼ 375 nucleotides long encoding 97 amino acids with Mr = 11070, pI = 12.6, multiple potential serine/threonine phosphorylation sites and a zinc-finger domain. The human sequence is compared to other species.
Sensitive and stable pre-calibrated solid-phase extraction columns for environmental and forensic quantification using isotope dilution mass spectrometry

A method was developed to pre-load solid-phase extraction columns (SPE) with isotopic calibrant for use with isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS). The pre-calibration method was developed, optimized, and validated for the quantification of the pesticide glyphosate in drinking water using anion-exchange SPE, electrospray-ionization, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS). The instrumental method obtained a mass-accuracy of 3 ppm and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.3 ng mL−1. Quantification of glyphosate by IDMS significantly improved quantitative error and LOQ compared with the calibration curve. The pre-loading methodology was optimized for stability over time and validated in drinking water, exhibiting an accuracy of 1.25% ± 0.87% error with no significant difference from certified concentrations or traditional SPE. Method LOQ was 0.4 ng mL−1. Quantifying glyphosate in spiked drinking water sample produced high accuracy up to two-weeks after pre-loading columns, with an accuracy of 6.41% ± 7.10% error. A potential forensic application was investigated by adapting the pre-loading method to the quantification of seven drugs in synthetic urine using a mixed-mode SPE column. The ESI-TOF-MS method using traditional SPE produced accurate quantification of all seven drugs in synthetic urine with a mean error of 4.16% ± 3.07% and LOQ of 0.780 ng mL−1. The pre-loading method produced accurate quantification with 5.36% ± 4.73% error, with no significant difference from traditional SPE or certified standards. Five of the seven drugs were quantified at high accuracy one week after pre-loading, with 5.40% ± 4.57% error from certified values. This method may be applicable to analysts seeking to develop methods to improve the transfer of high-accuracy and precision methods between laboratories.
In situ capture gamma-ray analysis of coal in an oversize borehole

Abstract In situ capture gamma-ray analysis in a coal seam using a high resolution gamma-ray spectrometer in a close-fitting borehole has been reported previously. In order to check the accuracy of the method under adverse conditions, similar measurements were made by means of a small-diameter sonde in an oversize borehole in the Pittsburgh seam, Greene County, Pennsylvania. The hole was 5 times the diameter of the sonde, a ratio that substantially increased the contribution of water (hydrogen) to the total spectral count and reduced the size of the sample measured by the detector. The total natural count, the 40K,count, and the intensities of capture gamma rays from Si, Ca, H, and Al were determined as a function of depth above, through, and below the coal seam. From these logs, the depth and width of the coal seam and its partings were determined. Spectra were accumulated in the seam for 1 h periods by using neutron sources of different strengths. From the spectra obtained by means of several 252Cf neutron sources of different sizes, the ultimate elemental analysis and ash content were determined. The results were not as good as those obtained previously in a close-fitting borehole. However, the results did improve with successively larger source-to-detector distances, i.e.,as the count contribution due to hydrogen in the water decreased. It was concluded that in situ borehole analyses should be made in relatively close-fitting boreholes.
Band anticrossing in dilute nitrides

Alloying III-V compounds with small amounts of nitrogen leads to dramatic reduction of the fundamental band-gap energy in the resulting dilute nitride alloys. The effect originates from an anti-crossing interaction between the extended conduction-band states and localized N states. The interaction splits the conduction band into two nonparabolic subbands. The downward shift of the lower conduction subband edge is responsible for the N-induced reduction of the fundamental band-gap energy. The changes in the conduction band structure result in significant increase in electron effective mass and decrease in the electron mobility, and lead to a large enhance of the maximum doping level in GaInNAs doped with group VI donors. In addition, a striking asymmetry in the electrical activation of group IV and group VI donors can be attributed to mutual passivation process through formation of the nearest neighbor group-IV donor nitrogen pairs.
Restoration of Class IV and VI defects in anterior teeth with an unfilled resin

The etched resin technique with unfilled acrylic resin has been successful for Class IV and VI defects on anterior incisor teeth and has proven more useful than alternatives in the immediate treatment of traumatized teeth. The advantages of this approach are ease of operation, excellent retention, conservative tooth preparation, excellent esthetics, lower cost to patient, reduced additional insult to recently traumatized teeth in stabilizing them, stable color, and lack of trauma to opposing teeth (Fig. 10).
Decreased apoptosis in polyamine depleted IEC-6 cells depends on Akt-mediated NF-κB activation but not GSK3β activity

The PI3-kinase/Akt pathway promotes cell survival in many different cell types including intestinal epithelial cells. Increased AKT activation in polyamine depleted intestinal epithelial cells correlated well with the decrease in TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Increased Akt activation and GSK3β (Ser 9) phosphorylation without significant effect on Bad (Ser136) phosphorylation indicate that Akt-mediated protection is independent of Bad phosphorylation but may depend on GSK3β. Pretreatment of polyamine-depleted cells with LY294002 increased caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and decreased basal levels of GSK-3β phosphorylation. Inhibition of GSK3β activity using AR-A014418 or lithium chloride or siRNA-mediated downregulation of its expression had no effect on apoptosis. Inhibition of PI3-kinase and over-expression of dominant negative Akt (DN-AKT), significantly increased apoptosis in polyamine depleted cells. DN-Akt expression reversed the protective effect of polyamine depletion on apoptosis. DN-Akt, as well as the PI3-kinase inhibitors, prevented Akt activation and subsequent translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. Constitutively active Akt (CA-AKT) expression increased resistance to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Constitutively active-Akt expression increased nuclear staining of NF-κB. Moreover, polyamine depletion of DN-Akt cells prevented basal and TNF-α-induced IκBα phosphorylation. Prevention of NF-κB activation in DN-IκBα-transfected cells increased apoptosis in control cells and restored it in polyamine-depleted cells to control levels. These data indicate that Akt regulates the mitochondrial pathway, preventing activation of caspase-9 and thereby caspase-3 via NF-κB and these effects are independent of GSK-3β activity.
Nonlinear multiresolution decomposition with applications in image restoration

This paper addresses a nonlinear multiresolution decomposition scheme based on order statistic (OS) filters with applications in image restoration. In this scheme the input signal is decomposed into multiresolution bands using OS filters of different parameter values. We present the deterministic and statistical properties of the decomposed signals. As an application of the proposed scheme, we consider the restoration of images in the presence of Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise. In the image restoration, nonlinear filtering is performed on decomposed signal components using denoising techniques. Simulations show that this method has better edge and sharp feature preservation and better noise reduction properties than other OS filter based techniques.
Focus anisoplanatism in the limit of infinitely many artificial-guide-star reference spots

The concept that the focus anisoplanatism effect, which limits the useful diameter of an adaptive-optics system that relies on an artificial guide star [(AGS), a laser atmospheric backscatter spot] as a reference source for determining the turbulence-induced wave-front distortion, can be eliminated (or greatly reduced) by use of a multiplicity of AGS spots is evaluated. The case of an infinite density of such spots with an infinite density of wave-front sensor subapertures (each infinitely small) is analyzed assuming that performance is limited only by the fact that turbulence is distributed along the propagation path rather than being contained in a single plane. It is found that even in this case focus anisoplanatism limits performance. Relative to what can be achieved with a single AGS spot, it is found that at most approximately a factor-of-2.5 increase in the useful aperture diameter can be obtained by use of infinitely many AGS spots and that this increase is available only for a laser backscatter altitude as high as the 90-km mesospheric sodium layer.
Organizing Women in Contemporary Russia: Engendering Transition

This book offers the first comprehensive analysis of the contemporary Russian women's movement and of the social, political, economic, historical, and international contexts that surround it. Valerie Sperling paints a vivid portrait of the women's movement's formation and development, paying particular attention to the key challenges facing a social movement in post-communist society, including the virtual absence of civil society, constant flux in political institutions, wrenching economic changes, and the movement's own status in a changing transnational environment. The author also addresses the specific challenges facing women's organizations by discussing societal attitudes towards feminism in Russia. Based on participant observation, primary source materials, and dozens of interviews conducted in Moscow (as well as two smaller Russian cities), the narrative brings alive the activists' struggle to build a social movement under difficult conditions, and sheds new light on the troubled and complex process of Russia's democratization.
Rapid Divergence of Two Classes of Haemophilus ducreyi

Haemophilus ducreyi, the etiologic agent of chancroid, expresses variants of several key virulence factors. While previous reports suggested that H. ducreyi strains formed two clonal populations, the differences between, and diversity within, these populations were unclear. To assess their variability, we examined sequence diversity at 11 H. ducreyi loci, including virulence and housekeeping genes, augmenting published data sets with PCR-amplified genes to acquire data for at least 10 strains at each locus. While sequences from all 11 loci place strains into two distinct groups, there was very little variation within each group. The difference between alleles of the two groups was variable and large at 3 loci encoding surface-exposed proteins (0.4 < KS < 1.3, where K S is divergence at synonymous sites) but consistently small at genes encoding cytoplasmic or periplasmic proteins (K S < 0.09). The data suggest that the two classes have recently diverged, that recombination has introduced variant alleles into at least 3 distinct loci, and that these alleles have been confined to one of the two classes. In addition, recombination is evident among alleles within, but not between, classes. Rather than clones of the same species, these properties indicate that the two classes may form distinct species. Haemophilus ducreyi is a Gram-negative coccobacillus in the family Pasteurellaceae (2) and the causative agent of chancroid, a sexually transmitted, genital ulcer disease which facilitates transmission of HIV-1 (12, 14, 23, 44). While H. ducreyi was placed in the polyphyletic genus Haemophilus due to its requirement for hemin, Haemophilus species do not form a cohesive group within the Pasteurellaceae (6, 20). The species that are most closely related to H. ducreyi include Actinobacter pleuropneumoniae and Nicoletella semolina (see Fig. S1 in the supplemental material) (16).
How "sticky" is urbanward migration? Evidence for the United States 1850-1980.

Estimates of what the urban growth rate would have been if labor had been perfectly mobile and responsive to differences in the growth rates of urban and rural opportunity enable the "stickiness" of urbanward migration to be measured. Before the second world war, there was substantial unrealized long-wave cyclicality: the U.S. urban growth was much less "boom and busty" than it might have been. Since 1950 observed and predicted urban growth rates have tracked each other closely, however, suggesting that as global mobility has increased and institutional constraints have been relaxed via successive immigration reforms there will be far less difference between the longer-run rates of urban and economic growth than heretofore.
A Monte-Carlo game theoretic approach for Multi-Criteria Decision Making under uncertainty

Game theory provides a useful framework for studying Multi-Criteria Decision Making problems. This paper suggests modeling Multi-Criteria Decision Making problems as strategic games and solving them using non-cooperative game theory concepts. The suggested method can be used to prescribe non-dominated solutions and also can be used as a method to predict the outcome of a decision making problem. Non-cooperative stability definitions for solving the games allow consideration of non-cooperative behaviors, often neglected by other methods which assume perfect cooperation among decision makers. To deal with the uncertainty in input variables a Monte-Carlo Game Theory (MCGT) approach is suggested which maps the stochastic problem into many deterministic strategic games. The games are solved using non-cooperative stability definitions and the results include possible effects of uncertainty in input variables on outcomes. The method can handle multi-criteria multi-decision-maker problems with uncertainty. The suggested method does not require criteria weighting, developing a compound decision objective, and accurate quantitative (cardinal) information as it simplifies the decision analysis by solving problems based on qualitative (ordinal) information, reducing the computational burden substantially. The MCGT method is applied to analyze California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta problem. The suggested method provides insights, identifies non-dominated alternatives, and predicts likely decision outcomes.
Oxytocin for labor induction.

Induction of labor has increased from 9% to 18% of all U.S. deliveries in recent years. Several useful oxytocin induction protocols are available, both from the ACOG Practice Bulletin #10 and institutional sources. Higher-dose protocols tend to result in fewer cesarean deliveries for dystocia but more "fetal distress." There is no consensus as to which protocol is best, and the clinician is advised to understand the trade-offs involved and how those trade-offs could relate to the clinician's local situation. Given the availability now of prostaglandin agents for induction with an unfavorable cervix, the advantage of less hyperstimulation in low-dose oxytocin protocols may become increasingly important. The most important risks include hyperstimulation (frequent but usually brief and well-tolerated), failed induction (occasional and important), and uterine rupture in some studies (rare but dangerous). Pain was not a sensitive indicator of uterine rupture in a large 1989 study. Fetal heart rate changes were much more likely to herald uterine rupture in that study. Oxytocin's greatest weakness is that some patients will not respond well to it, especially with marked cervical unfavorability. However, given an individual patient whose uterus will respond adequately to this drug, oxytocin has the advantage of short half-life and the option for prompt cessation if desired. Intrauterine pressure catheters with oxytocin usage are usually well-worth their minor risks. Current ACOG literature lists induction of labor in the setting of one or more previous low-transverse cesarean deliveries as necessitating "special attention" and "close patient monitoring." The well-informed clinician will be familiar with the issues involved.
Comparable outcomes in fracture reduction and bone properties with RANKL inhibition and alendronate treatment in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta

Summary We report a direct comparison of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) inhibition (RANK-Fc) with bisphosphonate treatment (alendronate, ALN) from infancy through early adulthood in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta. Both ALN and RANK-Fc decreased fracture incidence to the same degree with increases in metaphyseal bone volume via increased number of thinner trabeculae.
Mass spectrometric investigation of the electrochemical behavior of adsorbed carbon monoxide at platinum in 0.2 M sulphuric acid

The technique of Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry is applied to the cathodic adsorption of CO at platinum in 0.2 M H2SO4 and the anodic desorption of the reaction product CO2. From the data obtained by CO shielding during the adsorption reaction and by CO2 collection during the desorption process, one site adsorption of the principal CO adsorbate at the electrode surface is determined to occur over the whole range of CO coverage. A two electron transfer is involved in the oxidation of this adsorbed CO species to CO2. CO adsorbed in the hydrogen adsorption region produces a small amount of adsorbate requiring a three electron transfer to produce CO2.
Effects of Nitroglycerin on "Maximal" Oxygen Intake and Exercise Electrocardiogram in Coronary Heart Disease

Oxygen intake (V O O2 ) was measured during the last few minutes of a multistage treadmill test of maximal exercise in 12 healthy middle-aged persons, 32 patients with angina, and 23 survivors of myocardial infarction free of angina. Repetition of the same test, after each individual rested 30 min and took 0.4 mg nitroglycerin sublingually, increased V O O2 max in patients with angina (by 14.5%, P P O O2 max was prevented in 12 patients. Maximal heart rate was increased by 11% in the angina group and by 4% in the myocardial infarction group; the maximal blood pressure-heart rate product was increased ( P b ) were quantified by computer averaging of 100 beat samples at several intervals during and after exercise. The amount of [See Equation in PDF file] depression during and after exercise was significantly reduced after administration of nitroglycerin in all three groups. We conclude that nitroglycerin: (1) increases maximal circulatory conductance of O 2 in patients with coronary heart disease, whether or not limited by angina, mainly by increased maximal heart rate, and (2) lessens evidence of electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia and lowers frequency if angina pectoris despite the same or a higher pressure-rate index. These effects suggest a reduction in peripheral vascular tone and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and volume with nitroglycerin.
Stubble height effect on winter wheat in the northern great plains. II: Plant population and yield relations

(...) The objective was to develop algorithms relating postwinter agronomic characters to potential grain yield. Field trials were conducted 4 yr on Williams loam (fine-loamy, mixed Typic Argiborolls) to measure the effect of four stubble heights (0, 5, 20, and 36 cm) on postwinter plant populations and agronomic characteristics of three cultivars (Roughrider, Mironovskaya, and Centurk). (...)
The matrix form of collagen and basal microporosity influence basal lamina deposition and laminin synthesis/secretion by stratified human keratinocytes in vitro.

The ability of the collagen matrix form to support the formation of a basal lamina by cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) was determined using transmission electron microscopy. The collagen matrix forms tested in this study were a) a dry type I collagen film and b) a type I collagen gel. NHEK were grown for 14 days on the following five different substrates: plain plastic culture dishes without the addition of collagen (PP); plain plastic culture dishes overlaid with a dry, aldehyde-crosslinked type I collagen film (DCF-P); plain plastic culture dishes overlaid with an aldehyde-crosslinked type I collagen gel (GEL-P); Millipore Millicell CM microporous membranes overlaid with a dry, aldehyde-crosslinked type I collagen film (DCF-CM); and Millipore Millicell CM microporous membranes overlaid with an aldehyde-crosslinked type I collagen gel (GEL-CM). NHEK maintained for 2 wk on PP and DCF-P were unable to secrete a basal lamina. NHEK grown for 2 wk on the GEL-P and GEL-CM substrates, however, secreted a contiguous basal lamina at the GEL-NHEK interface. To determine if the appearance of this basal lamina correlated with laminin synthesis, laminin was immunoprecipitated from cellular extracts, as well as media from the apical and basal chambers. NHEK grown on the GEL-P substrate synthesized more laminin than did NHEK grown on the other four alternative substrates. In addition, NHEK grown on GEL-CM were able to direct more laminin to the basal compartment than NHEK grown on DCF-CM substrates. Taken together, the data indicate that the matrix form of collagen can influence basal lamina deposition, laminin synthesis, and laminin trafficking in NHEK.
The influence of different concentrations of volatile anesthetics on the threshold for cortical spreading depression in rats

Abstract We studied the influence of halothane and isoflurane on the electrical threshold for triggering spreading depression (SD) in rats. While the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine dramatically increased the triggering threshold (and blocked propagation), neither volatile agent had any dose-related effect. High doses of both agents slightly slowed SD propagation rate. These results indicate that volatile agents in typical anesthetic doses can be used in studies of SD in rats, and also suggest that these agents have little effect on NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission.
Assessment Strategies for Second Language Acquisition Theories

There are numerous theories of second language acquisition (SLA), many of them oppositionnal. Culling will eventually be necessary if researchers are to meet their social responsabilities or if SLA is to be explained and a stage of normal science achieved. For the culling to be principled, a rational approach to theory assessment is needed, and the difficulty of identifying universally valid evaluation criteria makes this problematic. Assessment strategies used in other fields can be useful in SLA, but choice among them will depend on the researcher's philosophy of science.
Visibility-based planning of sensor control strategies

We consider the problem of planning sensor control strategies that enable a sensor to be automatically configured for robot tasks. In this paper we present robust and efficient algorithms for computing the regions from which a sensor has unobstructed or partially obstructed views of a target in a goal. We apply these algorithms to the Error Detection and Recovery problem of recognizing whether a goal or failure region has been achieved. Based on these methods and strategies for visually cued camera control, we have built a robot surveillance system in which one mobile robot navigates to a viewing position from which it has an unobstructed view of a goal region, and then uses visual recognition to detect when a specific target has entered the region.
Continuous infusion cyclosporine and nifedipine to day +100 with short methotrexate and steroids as GVHD prophylaxis in unrelated donor transplants

Unrelated donor marrow transplantation is associated with an increased incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) compared with sibling donor transplants. Forty-one patients undergoing unrelated donor transplants were treated with a GVHD prophylaxis regimen that consisted of continuous infusion cyclosporine from day -1 to 100 days post transplant along with nifedipine, glucocorticoids and short-course methotrexate. The regimen was well-tolerated in this cohort with mostly high risk disease. Fifty-one percent of patients developed acute GVHD, which was grade III-IV in 22% of patients. Six of 22 patients at risk for chronic GVHD developed extensive chronic GVHD, five of whom were adults. In patients 40% chance of 2 year disease-free survival. Use of continuous infusion cyclosporine with nifedipine as an immunosuppressant and protectant against cyclosporine-induced toxicities in unrelated donor transplants is well-tolerated, and results in acute GVHD incidence favorable to that reported with bolus cyclosporine.
A comparison of GRF and other reduced-form estimators in simultaneous equations models

Abstract Numerical evidence is reported here in order to shed light on the characteristics and performance of several non-traditional reduced-form estimators. Some empirical and Monte Carlo simulation examples compare these techniques with such traditional methods as the OLS, 2SLS, 3SLS and FIML. While further evidence is required to more fully characterize the new estimators and the situations in which they can be successfully applied, the available evidence favors the new methods over the traditional ones. This is particularly so for the Generic and the Modified Stein-like Reduced Form (GRF and MSRF) estimators which, under our criteria, out-perform the traditional methods even in situations that are favorable to the latter.
Surgical pathology of cardiac tumors. Two decades at an urban institution.

Abstract Background: As better diagnostic techniques and new operative approaches are developed pathologists will be called upon more often for intraoperative consultation to render a pathologic diagnosis and assess adequacy of resection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective survey of all patients presenting to our institution from 1979 to 1999. The surgical pathology and cardiothoracic surgery databases were used to identify these patients. Results: Of the 29 patients with primary cardiac neoplasms, 15 were male and 14 female. The mean age at surgery was 51.9 years (range, 7 months to 84 years). Twenty-six of 29 patients had a benign pathological diagnosis. The majority (20/26) of the benign tumors were myxomas. Other benign pathologic diagnoses included rhabdomyoma, fibroma, papillary fibroelastoma, localized fibrous tumor and lipoma. Three out of 29 were malignant: 1 fibrosarcoma, 1 malignant mesenchymoma, and 1 rhabdomyosarcoma. Six of the patients presented with thrombo-embolism, 8 with congestive heart failure symptoms, and three with chest discomfort. Five were asymptomatic or the neoplasm was an incidental finding. 2-D echocardiography established the diagnosis in all of the patients except one. Twenty-two of the 29 tumors were located in the atria (LA=15, RA=6, biatrial=1) and 5 in the ventricles (LV=1, RV=2, biventricular=2). Two patients in this series were referred for reresection. A median sternotomy approach was used for tumor extirpation in all patients. Three of the 29 patients have died at a mean follow-up period of 757 days (median, 118 days). There were two late deaths and one hospital (early) death in a reoperation for recurrent malignancy employing cardiac autotransplantation. One additional patient required cardiac reoperation. Conclusions: Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare and occur less commonly than metastatic disease of the heart. Congestive heart failure symptoms and thrombo-embolism account for close to half of the presenting signs and symptoms. 2-D echocardiography remains the mainstay of detection. Distinguishing between benign and malignant, thrombus and vegetation, and extracardiac structure is usually established by the size, shape, mobility and attachment of the mass. Clinical presentation and transesophageal echocardiographic views are extremely helpful in sharpening the accuracy of the diagnosis. Since surgery is the only reliable therapy pathologists will be called upon for intraoperative consultation. The majority of the neoplasms are benign. Malignant neoplasms are difficult to excise completely and portend a grave prognosis.
Utility of red cell mass determination.

I read with interest the editorial by Dr. Beutler entitled "Problems in the Diagnosis of the Hemoglobinopathies and of Polycythemia," which was published in the January issue of the Proceedings (pages 102 to 104). My viewpoint about the utility of red cell mass determination for the assessment of patients with erythrocytosis differs from his, however. Dr. Beutler indicated that he is "unaware of any firm evidence that this relatively complex and expensive procedure is of major value," and he discussed the lack of utility in the distinction of primary polycythemia from secondary polycythemia. I concur that the red cell mass and plasma volume determi­ nation are not useful in the differential diagnosis of estab­ lished erythrocytosis; however, the red cell mass does have utility in establishing the diagnosis of erythrocytosis. In work done through the Polycythemia Vera Study Group, Berlin I has shown that the red cell mass can be reliably predicted to be increased only when the hematocrit is 60% or more. Patients with hematocrits in the upper 50 percentiles may have an increased, normal, or, occasionally, low red cell volume with the hematocrit increased because of plasma volume contrac­ tion. This setting can be clarified by the measurement of a red cell mass and plasma volume determination. I agree that pitfalls can occur with use of this technology; thus, one certainly must interpret the results in concert with the other clinical data. In a patient with a hematocrit of 58% who has leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and splenomegaly, the need for a red cell mass determination is minimal. Nonetheless, many cases of erythrocytosis are not this clear-cut, and the test can aid physicians in distinguishing between truepolycythemia and stress erythrocytosis.
Ionic basis of methacholine-induced shrinkage of dissociated eccrine clear cells.

The goal of the present study was to elucidate the ionic mechanisms by which cholinergic stimulation induces cell shrinkage in eccrine clear cells. Dissociated Rhesus monkey eccrine sweat clear cells were prepared by collagenase digestion of freshly isolated secretory coils and immobilized on a glass slide in a perfusion chamber at 30°C. The cell was visualized by light microscopy with differential interference contract (DIC) and was recorded with a video system (15,000× total magnification). The cell volume was calculated from the maximal cross section of the cell. Methacholine (MCh)-induced cell shrinkage, which was as much as 30% of resting cell volume, was dose dependent and pharmacologically specific. MCh-induced cell shrinkage was persistent in some cells but tended to partially wane with time in others. MCh-induced cell shrinkage was dependent on the chemical potential gradient for KCl, i.e., increasing [K] in the bath ([K] o ) from 5 to 120mm caused MCh to induce cell swelling, whereas removing [Cl] o at 120mm K partially restored the MCh-induced cell shrinkage. The interpolated null [K] o (medium [K] where the cell volume did not change by MCh) of 71mm agreed with the predicted [K] o,null. MCh-induced cell shrinkage was inhibited completely by 1mm quinidine (K-channel blocker) and partially by 1mm diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC, a Cl-channel blocker), but not by 0.1mm ouabain or 0.1mm bumetanide, suggesting that MCh-induced cell shrinkage may be due to activation of both K and Cl channels with the resultant net KCl efflux down the chemical potential gradient. That Ca/calmodulin may be involved in cholinergic regulation of Cl and K channels is suggested because 10 μm ionomycin also induced cell shrinkage, MCh failed to induce cell shrinkage in a Ca-free medium after the endogenous Ca store was depleted, and (6-aminohexyl)-5-chlorol-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7, a putative inhibitor of calmodulin) also inhibited MCh-induced cell shrinkage in a reversible manner.
Somef-values for transitions in ZrII, ZrIII and SrI

Transition probabilities were calculated for certain transitions in ZrII, ZrIII and SrI. For these allowed transitions Hartree-Fock wavefunctions were calculated for use in determining the absolute line strength. The methods developed by C. Froese-Fischer and Mayers and O'Brien for calculating the wavefunctions were used in determining those for the transitions in ZrII, ZrIII and SrI. Theoretical and experimentalf-values were compared in the case of SrI, and the results were in reasonable agreement for transition probabilities based on dipole velocity calculations.
The ecology of shallow water meiofauna in two New England estuaries.

The distribution and abundance of shallow subtidal meiofauna in four habitats in the Niantic and Pettaquamscutt estuaries in southeastern New England were studied from October 1964 through October 1965. Numbers of individuals ranged from 1,184 to 5,163/10 cm2, and wet weights from 8.5 to 62.5 mg/10 cm2. Nematodes were the dominant group, averaging 83% of the total numbers and 64% of the total biomass. Among the nematodes, epigrowth-feeding species were dominant at all four stations; in addition, deposit-feeding species were abundant at three stations where the amount of detritus was high relative to the fourth station. At these three stations ostracods and deposit-feeding polychaetes were also abundant.Nematodes showed marked seasonal changes i their species composition, with epigrowth-feeding species reaching maximum densities in spring and summer (coincident with observed increases in benthic microflora production), and deposit and omnivorous-feeding species in fall and winter (coincident with observed increases in organic detritus). Increases in the epigrowth feeders were responsible for significant increases in the total nematode populations in spring and summer.Ostracods were most abundant in late summer, fall and winter in association with the increases in detritus. Polychaetes, amphipods and lamellibranchs were most abundant in summer, the first-named in association with elevated water temperatures. Harpactacoid copepods were inconsistent in their seasonal distributions.Approximately 80% of the meiofauna occurred in the upper 3 cm of sediment. Copepods and ostracods were virtually limited to the upper 3 cm, while amphipods and lamellibranchs were limited to the upper 2 cm of sediment. Nematodes and polychaetes extended down to 5 cm (the lowest depth studied), although usually in significantly reduced numbers.
Genetic dissection of platelet function in health and disease using systems biology.

Relevance of Platelet Functional Disorders in Health and Disease Molecular platelet disorders cause bleeding syndromes of varying severity, best characterized for cell-surface receptor defects involving αIIbβ3 and the GPIb-IX-V complex, and less frequently known to involve distinct signaling pathways or defects of granule formation.1 By contrast, there is a paucity of information on the molecular etiology of the “prothrombotic” platelet, despite long-standing evidence for the role of activated platelets in the development of focal ischemia.2,3 The latter observation is clearly supported by clinical studies of platelet activation markers during transitory and thrombotic vascular events.4–10 Causal evidence for the critical influence of platelets in human vascular events is highlighted by the efficacy of antiplatelet agents as therapeutic and prophylactic modalities in the setting of cerebrovascular ischemia,11–13 as established by observations of fewer nonfatal strokes in patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, and fewer nonfatal strokes among patients treated for completed stroke.14,15 Comparable cardiovascular data exist demonstrating that interventions with antiplatelet agents offer therapeutic efficacy as interventional strategies for coronary artery disease (CAD), acute coronary syndromes, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, either in acute settings or as prophylactic modalities.4–7,11,16,17 Antiplatelet agents, however, are not without toxicity, and “breakthrough” thromboembolic episodes remain prevalent.18 Thus the development of risk stratification strategies and/or platelet phenotypic/genotypic assays (“biomarkers”) able to predict responsiveness or adverse events have emerged as a research direction of the biopharmaceutical industry, and have the potential for widespread clinical application.
Mediating the End of Love

In the 1980s divorce mediation is becoming recognized as an option for resolving the many emotional and legal issues involved in ending a marriage. A successful Hawaiian program is described that utilizes voluntary, trained mediators who are inde endent from the court system. Alternative dispute resolution, such as divorce mediation, is contrasted with therapeutic intervention and traditional legal strategies; and the benefits of the mediation process are described. Advantages and potential limitations of mediation are discussed, with particular attention to the ability of mediation to redress the traditional power imbalances that inhere in marriage.
Adapted wavelet computation methods

We briefly survey how to use libraries of (orthonormal) bases of well-behaved waveforms, including wavelets and lapped orthogonal transforms, so as to obtain fast numerical algorithms for the expansion of functions and operators in these bases. The most important applications are fast approximate matrix multiplication, and application of matrices to vectors.
Immunological relationships among the major seed proteins of cereals

Abstract The structural relationships among the major seed proteins of cereals was evaluated by Western blot analyses using antibodies raised against the wheat gliadin, rice glutelin acidic and basic subunits, and rice prolamine polypeptide. Consitent with the conservation of the primary sequences of these proteins, antibodies to the acidic and basic glutelin subunits cross-reacted with homologous polypeptides from oat as well as pea. The rice glutelin antibodies did not react with the major seed proteins from barley, rye, maize and sorghum. Antibodies raised against the acidic glutelin subunit reacted with the wheat glutenins but antibodies to the basic glutelin subunit did not. A comparison of the published primary sequences of a high molecular weight glutenin and rice glutelin showed little similarity except for a conserved peptide with the motif arg-gln-leu-gln-cys. The possible significance of this conserved element shared by these widely different proteins is discussed. Similar studies with the wheat gliadin antibody showed immunologically related components in plants of the subfamily Festucoideae except for rice. Antibodies raised against the rice prolamine recognized only the rice prolamine, indicating that this polypeptide was structurally distinct from other cereal prolamines. Overall, these results support and help clarify the evolutionary relationship of the cereals.
Internal Bremsstrahlung and Ionization Accompanying Beta Decay

Internal bremsstrahlung spectra from S35 and Pm147 have been investigated with the NaI scintillation spectrometer. Both the absolute cross section of production and the energy distribution agree with theoretical predictions. The theoretical internal bremsstrahlung spectrum of RaE was calculated by using both the observed forbidden beta spectrum and an allowed beta distribution. No significant differences in shape were found in these two cases except in the absolute cross section of production. The ionization accompanying beta decay was studied in the case of RaE and also in Pm147 by measuring the characteristic x-rays in an NaI scintillation counter as well as in a proportional counter spectrometer. Both K and L radiations were observed, and their absolute cross sections were compared with the theoretical calculations of Migdal, Feinberg, and Levinger. Because of the approximate nature of the theoretical calculations, the agreement between the theoretical and experimental results is considered satisfactory.
Time‐frequency analysis of the scattering phenomenology in finite dielectric gratings

The short-time Fourier transform is applied to analyze the backscattered signal from a finite dielectric grating. The resulting time-frequency display provides a clear description of the different scattering mechanisms, including edge diffraction, surface Floquet reflection, and surface wave propagation. In addition, Floquet harmonics are found to be excited not only by the incident plane wave, but also by the surface waves launched at the edges of the grating. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of a Membrane-anchored Chemerin Receptor Agonist as a Novel Modulator of Allergic Airway Inflammation and Neuropathic Pain

The chemerin receptor (CMKLR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor found on select immune, epithelial, and dorsal root ganglion/spinal cord neuronal cells. CMKLR1 is primarily coupled to the inhibitory G protein, Gαi, and has been shown to modulate the resolution of inflammation and neuropathic pain. CMKLR1 is activated by both lipid and peptide agonists, resolvin E1 and chemerin, respectively. Notably, these ligands have short half-lives. To expedite the development of long acting, stable chemerin analogs as candidate therapeutics, we used membrane-tethered ligand technology. Membrane-tethered ligands are recombinant proteins comprised of an extracellular peptide ligand, a linker sequence, and an anchoring transmembrane domain. Using this technology, we established that a 9-amino acid-tethered chemerin fragment (amino acids 149–157) activates both mouse and human CMKLR1 with efficacy exceeding that of the full-length peptide (amino acids 21–157). To enable in vivo delivery of a corresponding soluble membrane anchored ligand, we generated lipidated analogs of the 9-amino acid fragment. Pharmacological assessment revealed high potency and wash resistance (an index of membrane anchoring). When tested in vivo, a chemerin SMAL decreased allergic airway inflammation and attenuated neuropathic pain in mice. This compound provides a prototype membrane-anchored peptide for the treatment of inflammatory disease. A parallel approach may be applied to developing therapeutics targeting other peptide hormone G protein-coupled receptors.
Worries of a Genomic Futurist

Believing that we will eventually reengineer the human species, Mehlman considers the implications of doing so and some of the mistakes we may make.
The importance of organic-rich shales to the geochemical cycles of rhenium and osmium

Abstract The role that marine organic-rich sediments play in the surficial osmium and rhenium cycles has been assumed to be important due to the high Re/Os ratios and high concentrations of these elements in such reducing sediments compared to the average continental crust. The high Re/Os leads to rapidly increasing 187Os/188Os ratios. We determine how large a role these sediments play in the surficial osmium and rhenium budgets by compiling a geochemical database to quantify the mean 187Re/188Os and 187Os/188Os ratios of organic-rich sediments. We then utilize estimates of the abundance of organic-rich sediments in the geologic record of different ages to estimate an average 187Os/188Os for these sediments. We find that the calculated 187Os/188Os value of organic-rich sediments varies between 2.22 and 2.27 depending on the volume–age model used, with error estimates of 2.07 to 2.42 and 2.12 to 2.48, respectively. Despite the fact that these sediments constitute a relatively small proportion of the upper continental crust, they contribute a disproportionately large amount (> 50%) to the upper continental crustal rhenium and, to a lesser extent (5–10%), osmium inventories owing to their high concentrations of these elements.