cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemistry of Hodgkin's disease. A study of 20 cases

An immunoperoxidase study of 20 cases of Hodgkin's disease demonstrated universal staining of Reed Sternberg cells and their mononuclear variants for both kappa and lambda light chains and, in all but one case, for IgG. Staining for IgA and albumin was variable and for IgD and IgM uniformly negative. A double staining procedure using two different chromogens produced the paradoxical finding of both light chain types within the same cell, but these could only be demonstrated sequentially and not simultaneously, suggesting a blocking phenomenon. The above findings coupled with the demonstration of muramidase and/or alpha-1-antitrypsin in Reed-Sternberg cells and their mononuclear variants in all but two cases studied favor a histiocytic origin for these cells. This characteristic profile of results is also very helpful in distinguishing Hodgkin's disease from other neoplasms which mimic Hodgkin's disease because of the presence of Reed-Sternberg-like cells.
Observations of Concurrent Drifting Buoy and Current Meter Measurements in Lake Michigan

Abstract Data generated by satellite-tracked drifting buoys released in the Great Lakes are being used to study lake circulation and test trajectory prediction models. Before data from drifters can be used with confidence, the water-tracking accuracy of the drifters must be known. During the winter of 1983, drogued drifters were released in Lake Michigan in the vicinity of an array of vector-averaging current meters. Several times during the next 3 months, the drifters moved within a few kilometers of one of the current meters and remained in the vicinity for up to 30 hours. The average wind effect that best aligns the currents measured by the moored current meters and the currents from drifter paths is 0.76% of the wind speed. This value is the weighted average of the wind effects calculated for seven separate cases, which ranged from 0.06% to 2.09% of the wind speed. The average value is in good agreement with theoretical estimates and field test results. The horizontal coherence of the currents within 5 km was fairly high as revealed by comparisons between drifter trajectories and current meter progressive vectors. The separation distance between the vectors was generally under 1 km while drifter path length ranged from 4 to 9 km. Results indicate that during these encounters, about 25% of the variability between current trajectories estimated by drifting buoys and current meter measurements is explained by a simple wind correction. The remaining discrepancy is attributed to wave action (Stokes drift) and data limitations such as a lack of overtake wind conditions.
Engineering colleges and secondary schools

Engineering colleges are increasingly accepting an important role in secondary education-both to control more humanely the flow of students into engineering education and to initiate the development of public technological literacy. This interaction with precollege education must be designed within the contraints imposed by the secondary school system which has frequently been described as homeostatic. Even in a period of falling enrollments, heavy teaching schedules, and limited resources for change, relatively modest efforts by the engineering colleges (possibly in cooperation with industry) can yield significant results.
Production of syngeneic autoreactive monoclonal antibodies specific for isotypic determinants of IgE

Methods are described for the production of syngeneic mouse anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Hybridomas were prepared by using spleen cells from mice immunized with a conjugate of keyhole limpet hemocyanin with monoclonal IgE. Serum titers varied from approximately 40 to 1000 micrograms/ml. The anti-IgE mAb were isolated by affinity chromatography on columns containing immobilized monoclonal IgE. The mAb are specific for isotypic determinants of IgE and do not react with other immunoglobulin isotypes. One of the mAb, which has a high affinity for IgE (Ka = 4.7 X 10(8) M-1), should be useful for studies of regulation of IgE. The applicability of the mAb to quantitative assays for IgE was demonstrated.
Thermodynamics of solvation for methylproline peptides

We have determined thermodynamic parameters for transfer of N-acetyl,N′-methylamide derivatives of proline and methylprolines from carbon tetrachloride and from chloroform to water. The hydrophilic nature of the diamide model peptides is demonstrated by the negative free energies and enthalpies for transfer. Chloroform solvates the peptides considerably better than carbon tetrachloride. Heats of dilution in carbon tetrachloride arise from disruption of intermolecular peptide–peptide hydrogen bonds. After extrapolation to dilute solution, differences in thermodynamic parameters among the isomeric mono-methylproline peptides are correlated with the population of the intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded C7 conformer in the nonpolar solvent. However, the thermodynamic parameters aslo reflect differences in solvation due to the proximity of the two peptide groups and the side chain.
Mitosis identification in diffuse gliomas : Implications for tumor grading

BACKGROUND The histologic differentiation of mitotic figures is a cornerstone of several highly predictive grading systems for gliomas. In some systems, the presence of even a single mitotic figure is sufficient to classify an astrocytoma as high grade. However, the extent of microscopic examination necessary to exclude the presence of significant mitotic activity has not been determined. METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides from 410 astrocytomas and 107 oligodendrogliomas/oligoastrocytomas were reviewed until the first mitosis was identified or 100 400x fields had been reviewed without identification of a mitosis. The number of the field in which the first mitosis was found was correlated with diagnosis, grade, and survival. RESULTS A review of 50 400x fields was necessary to achieve a >90% sensitivity in identifying a mitosis in a Grade 3 astrocytoma specimen, compared with 20 400x fields in anaplastic (Grade 3 and 4) oligodendroglioma specimens. For Grade 3 astrocytomas, there was a significant independent correlation between survival and the field in which the first mitosis was found (P = 0.02). For the oligodendroglial tumors, there was a strong correlation between the number of fields counted until the first mitosis was found and grade (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of mitotic activity offers more prognostic information than can be obtained by the simple approach of noting only their presence or absence. Data were acquired regarding the diligence of the microscopic examination necessary to evaluate the presence or absence of mitotic activity. A 1 cm x 0.1 cm needle biopsy contains adequate tissue to evaluate mitotic activity for the purpose of histologic grading; however, this adequacy is dependent on the sample's being representative and composed entirely of cellular tumor. Cancer 1998;82:1550-5. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Does Urban Public Housing Diminish the Social Capital and Labor Force Activity of Its Tenants

This paper investigates the effect of urban public housing on the social capital and labor force activity of its tenants using cross-sectional survey data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality (MSCUI). A structural equation model of the hypothesized direct and indirect effects of public housing and neighborhood disadvantage on social capital and labor force activity is specified and fitted to these data. The modeling results suggest that urban public housing is strongly associated with neighborhood disadvantage but has little or no direct effect on either social capital or labor force activity. And while public housing may have indirect effects on social capital and labor force activity through neighborhood poverty, these indirect effects appear to be small. These findings have implications for the current emphasis in urban public housing policy on moving residents into the private housing market and reducing poverty concentration. © 2001 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
VOICE: A Framework for Speech-Based Mobile Systems

The advent of mobile phones and the Internet opened the doors for an emerging class of applications that connect mobile users to online resources and information services available anytime and anywhere. VoiceXML is an enabling technology for creating a streamlined speech-based interface for Web-based information services. In this paper, we describe VOICE, a framework used to develop mobile context-aware speech-enabled systems powered by VoiceXML. Restaurant search guide, a simple context-aware recommender system has been built using VOICE to test the feasibility of the proposed framework.
Management of the deficient patella in revision total knee arthroplasty.

There are a number of options available to manage the patella when revising a failed total knee arthroplasty. If the previous patellar component is well-fixed, undamaged, not worn, and compatible with the femoral revision component, then it can be retained. When a patellar component necessitates revision and is removed with adequate remaining patellar bone stock, an onlay-type all-polyethylene cemented implant can be used. Management of the patella with severe bony deficiency remains controversial. Treatment options for the severely deficient patella include the use of a cemented all-polyethylene biconvex patellar prosthesis, patellar bone grafting and augmentation, patellar resection arthroplasty (patelloplasty), performing a gull-wing osteotomy, patellectomy, or the use of newer technology such as a tantalum (trabecular metal) patellar prosthesis. Severe patellar bone deficiency is a challenging situation because restoration of the extensor mechanism, proper patellar tracking, and satisfactory anatomic relationships with the femoral and tibial components are critical for an optimal clinical outcome.
How We Design Feasibility Studies

Public health is moving toward the goal of implementing evidence-based interventions. To accomplish this, there is a need to select, adapt, and evaluate intervention studies. Such selection relies, in part, on making judgments about the feasibility of possible interventions and determining whether comprehensive and multilevel evaluations are justified. There exist few published standards and guides to aid these judgments. This article describes the diverse types of feasibility studies conducted in the field of cancer prevention, using a group of recently funded grants from the National Cancer Institute. The grants were submitted in response to a request for applications proposing research to identify feasible interventions for increasing the utilization of the Cancer Information Service among underserved populations.
Biological Activities of the Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei, in Central Oregon

During the summer of 1963 some aspects of the biology and behavior of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei Cole, were studied in the Redmond area of central Oregon. The workers were found to be active outside the mound only when soil surface temperaures were within the range of 20° to 50°C. Observations on the clearing activity showed that the ants removed a total of 25 different plant species from the area around the mound, and the commonest plants thus removed were Bromus tectorum, Descurainia pinnatta , and Sisymbrium altissimum . Workers were found to forage seeds heavily within a 50-ft radius of the mound. Bromus tectorum, Phacelia linearis, Hordeum jubatum, Descurainia pinnata , and Sisymbrium altissimum were the species of seeds most foraged. A total of 31 different seed species were observed being foraged. Observations on the seasonal history and influence of temperature on the ants indicated that for most effective control with a slow-acting insecticidal bait, such as mirex, application should be made in June as soon as temperatures are well above the activity level of the ants and before the first brood of larvae has pupated.
Design of a high-bandwidth data recording and quicklook display system for a photon-counting speckle camera

The computer system described in this paper is designed to capture event data from a photon-counting speckle camera at photon event rates of up to 1 MHz continuously. The display and quicklook computer uses several single board computers (SBC's) to display the photon events in real-time, calculate the centroid of the data for autoguiding of the telescope, and calculate the autocorrelation function. The system is based on the VMEbus architecture. The SBC's operate under the VxWorks real-time operating system. A Sun workstation is used for code development. the SBC's are mostly selected for speed since the computational requirements are very high. Eventually a Sun workstation for near-real-time image processing and image reconstruction will be used to receive quicklook data from the control computer.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Strategies for attaining superresolution using spectroscopic data as constraints

In this paper, we consider the problem of attaining superresolution in the case of two point objects which are within the Rayleigh distance of each other and possess differing spectral characteristics. Furthermore, we assume that the image data is a set of intensity values as a function of both position coordinates and wavelength coordinates. If linear superposition holds, well-known linear algebraic methods of rank and eigenanalysis can be used to estimate the number of spectrally distinct objects and, in favorable cases, to estimate the spatial distribution and spectrum of each. Computer simulations of this strategy show its efficacy in detecting, spatially resolving, and spectrally identifying two impulse objects. We show that for cases where the transfer function is wavelength dependent and independent, superresolution can be attained for simulated objects within 1/30th of the Rayleigh distance.
The effects of dihydroergotamine upon adenyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase of rat fat cells

Abstract Dihydroergotamine potentiates the lipolytic effects of theophylline, but blocks lipolysis due to catecholamines. Dihydroergotamine was found to markedly inhibit soluble cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase of both brown and white fat cells. Catecholamine stimulation of the adenyl cyclase of fat cell ghosts was inhibited by dihydroergotamine, which had no effect upon basal or fluoride-stimulated adenyl cyclase activity.
Visual outcome and bacterial sensitivity after methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-associated acute endophthalmitis.

Purpose To determine the frequency, visual outcome, and bacterial sensitivity in cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated acute postoperative endophthalmitis occurring after cataract surgery. Design Retrospective, consecutive, observational case series. Methods Sixty-four cases of acute endophthalmitis occurring within six weeks after cataract surgery were identified over a three-year interval at a single vitreoretinal practice. Cases related to MRSA were studied and visual outcomes and bacterial sensitivities were recorded. Results Thirty-three of the 64 eyes were culture positive, and six of the 33 cases (18.2%) demonstrated MRSA infection. All six eyes were started on fluoroquinolone antibiotics two or three days before surgery. Corneal abnormalities were noted in five of the six cases (83.3%), ranging from wound infection to diffuse corneal opacification. Visual acuity at last follow-up was no light perception (NLP) in two eyes, hand movements in two eyes, and 20/30 or better in two eyes. One eye with NLP vision underwent enucleation within three days of presentation because of panophthalmitis and impending sepsis. All six organisms were sensitive in vitro to both gentamicin and vancomycin. No organism was sensitive to any fluoroquinolone antibiotic, although not all organisms were tested against all fluoroquinolones. Conclusions MRSA infection accounts for 18% of culture-positive cases of endophthalmitis in this study and was associated with a poor visual outcome in two-thirds of our patients. MRSA organisms may be resistant in vitro to all generations of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, but do seem to be sensitive to gentamicin and vancomycin. The incidence of MRSA endophthalmitis seems to have increased significantly since the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study was published in 1996.
Feeding and reproduction in Precuthona peachi (Mollusca nudibranchia)

Abstract Precutona peachi is stenophqus with a strong preference for Hydractinia echinata. The feeding procell is described. Food requirements or up to about 8 mm long snails are small and does not exceed the growth or a Hydractinia colony. Mature Precuthona move from colony to oolony to get food enough, and to meet a sex partner. Copulation and spawning may take place on the hydroid colony. Precuthona larvae are planktotrophic. At settlement they risk being swallowed by the adult's prey. but the reactions Hydractinia upon ccntact with larvae of Precutona deviate from the normal feeding responses, so larvae may escape.
Utilizing linear subspaces to improve cloud security

Cloud computing is quickly becoming the infrastructure of choice for hosting data and software solutions for many individuals, businesses, and governmental organizations. While such systems may provide increased flexibility and utility, efficient and easily-managed cloud storage solutions that ensure data confidentiality are needed to maintain this trend. In this work, we propose an algebraic-based encoding solution to provide data confidentiality. Additionally, through the use of the various algebraic subspaces present in the coding process, we are able to verify basic Service Level Agreement (SLA) guarantees. We demonstrate the feasibility of our solution through implementations and deployments on test systems.
Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity to the urinary bladder of sodium saccharin in the in utero-exposed rat

Abstract In utero -exposed Charles River CD strain rats, the offspring of parents treated from weaning through mating, gestation and lactation, were fed sodium saccharin chronically at dietary levels of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, and 7.5%. Calcium cyclamate was fed as a reference compound at a level of 5.0%. Groups of 48 male and 48 female weanlings were placed on the same regimen as their parents. The study was continued until the number of survivors in a group fell to 20% with the last survivors being killed approximately 28 months after the first weanlings were selected for the chronic study. Serial sacrifices were performed at 14 and 18 months. Treatment-related effects were not observed in hematological values, organ weights, and survival. Average weaning weights were decreased in litters from parents receiving 5.0 and 7.5% sodium saccharin and 5.0% calcium cyclamate. Some of the initial weaning weight depression was overcome, but the rats on these dose levels had lower average body weights throughout the study. The incidence and types of neoplasms and nonneoplastic lesions, other than urinary bladder neoplasms and hyperplasia, were typical of the aged rat and were not treatment related. A significantly increased incidence of urinary bladder hyperplasia occurred in female rats that received 7.5% sodium saccharin, but the lesion was not morphologically precancerous. A significantly increased incidence of urinary bladder neoplasms occurred in the males fed 7.5% sodium saccharin. A total of 11 bladder neoplasms was observed in rats on study longer than 18 months; nine in the 7.5% saccharin group and one each in the control and 5.0% saccharin groups. There were nine neoplasms in males and two in females. Histologically, six of the neoplasms were classified as benign and five as malignant. All the malignant neoplasms occurred in the 7.5% saccharin group. The occurrence of the urinary bladder neoplasms could not be related to such predisposing factors as gross calculi, parasites, or hyperplasia.
Remarital Issues in Couple Therapy

Abstract Remarriage and cohabitation after divorce are becoming societal norms. Given the increasing numbers of these couples, mental health professionals will encounter them in their clinical practice. There are unique issues associated with remarriage (e.g., role and boundary ambiguity, unrealistic expectations) that can hinder the family reorganization process and exacerbate typical communication problems experienced by couples. Therefore, therapists must have knowledge of these challenges to provide the most effective treatment. A brief overview of the remarriage and stepfamily literature, and recommendations for clinicians are presented.
Structural correlations in silicon microclusters.

The pair-correlation and angle-distribution functions for silicon microclusters containing 6--20 atoms have been calculated through molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation with use of the Stillinger-Weber three-body potential. To model the experimental situation where the investigation of the structure of small clusters usually involves a size distribution, we have determined an effective pair-correlation function by folding together the pair correlations of individual clusters. The simulation results indicate that small covalently bonded clusters may undergo structural transformations at temperatures lower than 20% of their bulk melting temperature. This necessitates detailed knowledge of the ensemble of configurations lying above the ground state to explain the experimentally determined structure as well as to explain the existence of the so-called ''magic numbers.'' Our results also show that the presence of a distribution of silicon cluster sizes, each with different topologies, yields an ''amorphouslike'' pair-correlation function with the nearest-neighbor distance of crystalline silicon and an angle distribution peaked about 90/sup 0/ and 108/sup 0/.
Control of foam during fermentation by the application of ultrasonic energy

An ultrasonic generator was tested at 3 frequencies for its effects on Serratia marcescens during fermentation. The generator controlled foam adequately at 26, 29, and 34 kc/sec at medium aeration rates up to 0·6 ft3/min. Final viable counts were in the same range as those for cultures grown using lard oil as a foam control agent. At 34 kc/sec the final viable counts were slightly higher than those of cultures with lard oil. No harmful effects were evident when large volumes of cultures were exposed to ultrasonic energy during growth.
Stacking of Crick Wobble pair and Watson-Crick pair: stability rules of G-U pairs at ends of helical stems in tRNAs and the relation to codon-anticodon Wobble interaction

Abstract The occurrence of the noncomplementary G-U base pair at the end of a helix is found to be governed by stacking interactions. As a rule, a G-U pair with G on the 5'-side of a Watson-Crick base pair exhibits strikingly greater stacking overlap with the Watson-Crick base pair than a G-U pair on the 3'-side of a Watson-Crick base pair. The former arrangement is expected to be more stable and indeed is observed 29 times out of 32 in the known transfer RNA molecules. In accordance with this rule, the major wobble base pairs G-U or I-U in codon-anticodon interactions have G or I on the 5'-side of the anticodon. Similarly, in initiator tRNAs, this rule is obeyed where now the G is the first letter of the codon (5'-side). In the situation where U is in the wobble position of the anticodon, it is usually substituted at C(5) andmay also have a 2-thio group and it can read one to four codons depending on its modifications. A G at the wobble position of the anticodon can recognize the two codons ending with U or C and modification of G (unless it is I) does not change its reading properties.
The role of the superior cervical ganglia in the nocturnal rise of pineal type-II thyroxine 5'-deiodinase activity.

Abstract Superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) abolished the nocturnal rise in pineal type-II thyroxine 5′-deiodinase (5′-D) activity in both eurthyroid and hypothyroid rats. Isoproterenol induced at least as great a rise in diurnal pineal 5′-D in SCGx as in intact rats. These data suggest that β-adrenergic stimulation through the superior cervical ganglia is essential for the nocturnal rise in pineal 5′-D activity.
Turnout in recent American presidential elections

The well-noted decline in the participation of Americans in presidential elections since the early sixties reversed in the 1984 election, although only slightly. An improved “national mood” appears to have contributed little to increasing turnout. However, the gap in participation between the wealthier and poorer widened, while that between men and women narrowed and reversed direction, and belonging to a group associated with an identity affected participation more powerfully. Taken together, these findings indicate shifts in patterns of turnout corresponding to shifts in the lines of politicized interests. Analysis of the participation of blacks finds little evidence for electoral mobilization by the Rainbow Coalition in 1984.
1974 Energy Requirements for Electric Cars and Their Impact on Electric Power Generation and Distribution Systems

Assuming the availability of a high energy and power density battery of 100 Wh/lb and 100 W/lb by the 1980' s, the energy consumption and efficiency of electric and heat engine cars are compared on an equal basis. This is achieved by considering a reference electric car of 3150-lb weight similar in body construction, aerodynamics, and rolling resistance to a conventional heat engine car of equal weight, and comparing the performance of the two cars over the same driving modes. The reference electric car is then used as a baseline to evaluate the possible improvements in future electric cars. The energy consumption for an optimized 2000-lb electric car of driving range, comfort, and performance comparable to a conventional car is estimated. Assuming a gradual growth in electric car population leading to their widespread use by the 1990's, the impact on electric power generation and distribution systems is estimated. Though the analysis is based on a high energy and power density battery the results may be extrapolated to electric cars using lower performance batteries. It is noted that batteries with lower energy density can provide sufficient driving range to fulfill a significant portion of our transportation needs and their continued development and improvement will accelerate the achievement of the high energy-density goal [1].
The rotational spectrum, barrier to internal rotation, and structure of NH3-N2O

The rotational spectrum of NH3–N2O has been observed by the molecular beam electric resonance method. The spectrum is characteristic of a T‐shaped complex in which the nitrogen of the NH3 subunit is directed toward the N2O subunit. The NH3 unit exhibits nearly free internal rotation about its C3 axis. The A internal rotor state transitions were fit to Watson’s asymmetrical top Hamiltonian and the following spectroscopic constants were determined: A(MHz)=12 722.5(5), δK (MHz)=0.22(2), B(MHz)=4 083.5(2), δJ(MHz) =0.007(1), C(MHz)=3 070.8(2), ΔK(MHz) =−0.3(2), ΔJ(MHz) =0.016(9), ΔJK(MHz) =0.32(3), μa(D) =1.514(9), μb(D) =0.09(9). The E internal rotor state transitions were fit to the Hamiltonian of Kilb, Lin, and Wilson. For the E internal rotor state the rotational constants A [12 743(64) MHz], B[4077.1(12) MHz], and C[3069.9(9) MHz] were determined, as well as the height of the barrier to internal rotation, V3 [12.5(25) cm−1]. The distance between the nitrogen of the NH3 to the center of mass of N2O is 3.0...
Sequential decisions with outcome uncertainty

A finite-stage, discrete-time, sequential decision theory problem is formulated. The problem is characterized by a sequence of decisions resulting in uncertain outcomes combined with a choice, between decisions, of experiment for obtaining information about previous outcomes. The solution to the problem entails finding optimal rules for the decisions and experiment choices by the method of backward induction. Three theorems are given which may be used to reduce the computational effort in some problem solutions. A measure of the conditional information in an experiment is defined and results are interpreted relative to that measure. Illustrative applications to a simple control problem are given.
Contour estimation using global shape constraints and local forces

This paper describes an object contour approximation method and its applications. It is assumed there is a rule R that locally estimates the boundaries of objects. Given a specified set of parameters, p1, ..., pn, and an index t (epsilon) {1, ..., M}, an object is abstracted as a closed curve described by a function C(p1, ..., pn, t) or simply C(t) where the other parameters are understood. An image strip centered at C(ti) and oriented along the normal to the curve at C(ti) is denoted by S(i). Boundary estimation further requires the specification of a function f(i), which is interpreted as a force applied to C(ti). F denotes the force vector (f(1), ..., f(m)). Given a initial curve C(p1(0), ..., pn(0), t), estimates for p1, ..., pn are refined iteratively by minimizing a nonnegative quantity (Epsilon) until pi(n) - 1) < (epsilon) for all i. In this paper, (Epsilon) takes the form: (omega) F2 + (1 - (omega) )F(infinity) , where the 2-norm favors point-group energy minimization fitting of the curve, and to (infinity) -norm favors individual point energy minimization fitting, and 0 ≤ w ≤ determines the relative importance of each type of fitting. A sequence of such curves initialized near an object will move and deform to fit the object and become fixed during the minimization process. Furthermore, we propose a method to describe the object contour when C(t) is stabilized. We also compare this method with the traditional curve fitting method, Fourier descriptors, dynamic splines, and deformable templates. Details are given for a simple form of this method using elliptical approximation. Finally, we present two applications of this method. The first one is for real-time object tracking, exploring the global shape. The other is for 2-D shape description using the feature vector once the global shape has been determined.
Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in fetal membranes and amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression, site of production and a role of collagenase-3 in human fetal membranes and amniotic fluid (AF). METHODS: Amniochorion collected at the time of elective repeat cesareans prior to labor from normal term gestation, were placed in an organ explant system for 72 hr. The AF was collected from the following groups of women: women at term; women at third trimester pregnancy: women at mid-trimester pregnancy. Women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) with or without pre-term labor and infection delivered by cesareans before term; women with pre-term labor and no rupture of membranes and delivered by cesareans before term; The mRNA expression of collagenase-3 was studied by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and protein concentrations in the AF were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Site of collagenase-3 production was documented by immunohistochemistry. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA. All statistical hypotheses were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Scheffe method of adjustment. RESULTS: Amniochorion at term expressed collagenase-3 mRNA. Immunohistochemistry localized collagenase-3 in both amnion and chorion. Collagenase-3 was seen in AF from all gestational age groups with lowest levels at mid-trimester [167.8 pg/mL] and highest during term labor (323.92 pg/mL) with no statistically significant difference between term and third trimester (310.11 pg/mL). AF levels of collagenase-3 were significantly higher in women with pre-term labor (370.02 pg/mL; Padj = 0.046) or pre-term labor and infection (628.73 pg/mL; Padj = 0.002) compared with PROM with pre-term labor and infection (87.19 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: Collagenase-3 mRNA is constitutively expressed and produced in amniochorion. It is a normal physiologic constituent of AF. PROM is not associated with an increase in the AF collagenase-3.
Bacterial artificial chromosome-emulation oligonucleotide arrays for targeted clinical array-comparative genomic hybridization analyses

Purpose: The goal of this work was to test the ability of oligonucleotide-based arrays to reproduce the results of focused bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based arrays used clinically in comparative genomic hybridization experiments to detect constitutional copy number changes in genomic DNA. Methods: Custom oligonucleotide (oligo) arrays were designed using the Agilent Technologies platform to give high-resolution coverage of regions within the genome sequence coordinates of BAC/P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones that had already been validated for use in previous versions of clone arrays used in clinical practice. Standard array-comparative genomic hybridization experiments, including a simultaneous blind analysis of a set of clinical samples, were conducted on both array platforms to identify copy number differences between patient samples and normal reference controls. Results: Initial experiments successfully demonstrated the capacity of oligo arrays to emulate BAC data without the need for dye-reversal comparisons. Empirical data and computational analyses of oligo response and distribution from a pilot array were used to design an optimized array of 44,000 oligos (44K). This custom 44K oligo array consists of probes localized to the genomic positions of >1400 fluorescence in situ hybridization-verified BAC/PAC clones covering more than 140 regions implicated in genetic diseases, as well as all clinically relevant subtelomeric and pericentromeric regions. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that oligo-based arrays offer a valid alternative for focused BAC arrays. Furthermore, they have significant advantages, including better design flexibility, avoidance of repetitive sequences, manufacturing processes amenable to good manufacturing practice standards in the future, increased robustness because of an enhanced dynamic range (signal to background), and increased resolution that allows for detection of smaller regions of change.
Interface ordering and phase competition in a model Mott-insulator-band-insulator heterostructure

The phase diagram of model Mott-insulator-band-insulator heterostructures is studied using the semiclassical approximation to the dynamical-mean-field method as a function of thickness, coupling constant, and charge confinement. An interface-stabilized ferromagnetic phase is found, allowing the study of its competition and possible coexistence with the antiferromagnetic order characteristic of the bulk Mott insulator.
The role of the cellular envelope in the morphogenetic movements of teleost embryos

Nile blue sulfate solutions can be applied to teleost blastoderms in dosages sufficient to stain only the cellular envelope, or to penetrate uniformly from the surface to desired depths among the interior cells. Surface cells, if overstained, break loose from the cellular envelope and migrate to the interior, with subsequent failure of epiboly and differentiation. Less dosage slows down epiboly but does not disrupt organogenesis. The cellular envelope does not contribute any substantial number of cells to the terminal node or any at all to the inner germ ring. The hypoblast is not invaginated from it, nor does it contribute to the notochord, the mesoderm, or the endoderm sheet. Its fate is exclusively epidermal, and it is at all times separable from the inner blastomeres and embryonic tissues. Previously published “fate maps” of the teleost blastodisc must be understood as relating to the internal cells, not the cellular envelope. No conclusive evidence yet exists that the morphogenetic movements of teleosts include either an invagination or an inturning movement, at or inside the blastodisc rim.
Endurance time as a Function of the Percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction and Upper Extremity Posture in Healthy Females

Endurance times were measured on 12 female subjects for seven different %MVCs and five different shoulder postures. Endurance time decreased nonlinearly with an increase in %MVC. It decresed with an increase in shoulder flexion angle up to 120° and then it increased. This study does not support the recommendation that weights corresponding to 5% of MVC, much less 20% of MVC as suggested by Rohmert, can be held indefinitely.
The relationship between case volume, care quality, and outcomes of complex cancer surgery.

Background How case volume and quality of care relate to each other and to results of complex cancer surgery is not well-understood. Study Design Observational cohort of 14,170 patients 18 years or older who underwent pneumonectomy, esophagectomy, pancreatectomy, or pelvic surgery for cancer between October 1, 2003 and September 1, 2005 at a US hospital participating in a large benchmarking database. Case volumes were estimated within our dataset. Quality was measured by determining whether ideal patients did not receive appropriate perioperative medications (such as antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections), both as individual "missed"measures and as overall number missed. We used hierarchical models to estimate effects of volume and quality on 30-day readmission, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and costs. Results After adjustment, we noted no consistent associations between higher hospital or surgeon volume and mortality, readmission, length of stay, or costs. Adherence to individual measures was not consistently associated with improvement in readmission, mortality, or other outcomes. For example, continuing antimicrobials past 24 hours was associated with longer length of stay (21.5% higher, 95% CI, 19.5–23.6%) and higher costs (17% higher, 95% CI, 16–19%). In contrast, overall adherence, although not associated with differences in mortality or readmission, was consistently associated with longer length of stay (7.4% longer with 1 missed measure and 16.4% longer with ≥2) and higher costs (5% higher with 1 missed measure, and 11% higher with ≥2). Conclusions Although hospital and surgeon volume were not associated with outcomes, lower overall adherence to quality measures is associated with higher costs, but not improved outcomes. This finding might provide a rationale for improving care systems by maximizing care consistency, even if outcomes are not affected.
Characterisation of a CMOS Active Pixel Sensor for use in the TEAM Microscope

Abstract A 1M- and a 4M-pixel monolithic CMOS active pixel sensor with 9.5 × 9.5 μ m 2 pixels have been developed for direct imaging in transmission electron microscopy as part of the TEAM project. We present the design and a full characterisation of the detector. Data collected with electron beams at various energies of interest in electron microscopy are used to determine the detector response. Data are compared to predictions of simulation. The line spread function measured with 80 and 300 keV electrons is ( 12.1 ± 0.7 ) and ( 7.4 ± 0.6 ) μ m , respectively, in good agreement with our simulation. We measure the detection quantum efficiency to be 0.78 ± 0.04 at 80 keV and 0.74 ± 0.03 at 300 keV. Using a new imaging technique, based on single electron reconstruction, the line spread function for 80 and 300 keV electrons becomes ( 6.7 ± 0.3 ) and ( 2.4 ± 0.2 ) μ m , respectively. The radiation tolerance of the pixels has been tested up to 5 Mrad and the detector is still functional with a decrease of dynamic range by ≃ 30 % , corresponding to a reduction in full-well depth from ∼ 39 to ∼ 27 primary 300 keV electrons, due to leakage current increase, but identical line spread function performance.
Identification of the Wilson's disease gene: clues for disease pathogenesis and the potential for molecular diagnosis.

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper transport which maps to chromosome 13q14.3. In pursuit of the WD gene, we developed yeast artificial chromosome and cosmid contigs, and microsatellite markers which span the WD gene region. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis of 115 WD families confined the disease locus to a single marker interval. A candidate cDNA clone was mapped to this interval which, as shown in the accompanying paper, is very likely the WD gene. Our haplotype and mutation analyses predict that approximately half of all WD mutations will be rare in the American and Russian populations. Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the toxic accumulation of copper in a number of organs, particularly the liver and brain. As shown in the accompanying paper, linkage disequilibrium & haplotype analysis confirmed the disease locus to a single marker interval at 13q14.3. Here we describe a partial cDNA clone (pWD) which maps to this region and shows a particular 76% amino acid homology to the Menkes disease gene, Mc1. The predicted functional properties of the pWD gene together with its strong homology to Mc1, genetic mapping data and identification of four independent disease-specific mutations, provide convincing evidence that pWD is the Wilson disease gene. Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper transport, resulting in copper accumulation and toxicity to the liver and brain. The gene (WD) has been mapped to chromosome 13 q14.3. On yeast artificial chromosomes from this region we have identified a sequence, similar to that coding for the proposed copper binding regions of the putative ATPase gene (MNK) defective in Menkes disease. We show that this sequence forms part of a P-type ATPase gene (referred to here as Wc1) that is very similar to MNK, with six putative metal binding regions similar to those found in prokaryotic heavy metal transporters. The gene, expressed in liver and kidney, lies within a 300 kb region likely to include the WD locus. Two WD patients were found to be homozygous for a seven base deletion within the coding region of WC1. WC1 is proposed as the gene for WD. The putative copper and ATP-binding domains of the human Menkes disease gene were used as probes to screen a human liver cDNA library at reduced stringency. Sixty-five clones which remained positive after tertiary screening were subcloned and sequenced. One of these cDNA clones contains an open reading frame with 65% amino acid homology to the Menkes protein. Southern blot analysis localizes this cDNA to the region of the Wilson disease locus on chromosome 13. This cDNA detects a 7.5 kB transcipt which is present in human liver and cell lines devoid of the Menkes transcript and which is absent in liver from a patient with Wilson disease. These data suggest that this cDNA is a candidate gene for Wilson disease and that the protein encoded at this locus is a member of the P-type ATPase family.
Structure and Properties of Stoichiometric Complexes Formed by Sodium Poly(α,l-glutamate) and Oppositely Charged Surfactants

The conformational and structural properties of the stoichiometric complexes formed by poly(α,L-glutamate) anions and alkyltrimethylammonium cations with chain lengths of twelve, sixteen, and eighteen carbon atoms were examined by circular dichroism, infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The polypeptide chains complexed with the surfactants adopt α-helical conformations. The shorter surfactant alkyl chains, consisting of twelve and sixteen carbon atoms, are disordered in the complexes, while the longer surfactant chains of eighteen carbon atoms crystallize on a hexagonal lattice. All of the complexes are organized in lamellar structures consisting of alternating layers of poly(α,L-glutamate) chains separated by bimolecular layers of the surfactants. The surfactant alkyl chains are interdigitated and perpendicular to the lamellar surfaces.
Dysanapsis ratio as a predictor for expiratory flow limitation.

To determine the efficacy of the dysanapsis ratio (DR) in predicting expiratory flow limitation during exercise, 146 subjects (73 men, 73 women) performed standard pulmonary function and maximal incremental exercise tests. Tidal flow-volume loops were recorded at maximal exercise with maximal flow-volume loops measured pre- and post-exercise. Men had larger (p 0.05). V˙O2max was not different (p>0.05) between the EFL subjects compared to the non-EFL subjects for both men and women. Men with EFL compared to non-EFL men had smaller FVC (5.16±0.89L vs. 5.67±0.86L, p 0.05). A DR threshold was not determined; however, a DR continuum exists with increasing DR leading to decreased prevalence of EFL. In conclusion, DR is effective in determining the likelihood of EFL at maximal exercise.
Minimum Weight Design of Large Structures on a Network of Workstations

In this paper the authors present distributed algorithms for optimization of large structures on a network of workstations using genetic algorithms. They present performance estimates based on the granularity and parallelization efficiency of a model of distributed computing for structural optimization. Details of implementation of this model on a network of IBM RISC/6000 workstations using PVM (Parallel Virtual Machine) and their application to optimization of large-space structures are presented.
Dynamic system optimal model for multi-OD traffic networks with an advanced spatial queuing model

This paper provides an approach to solve the system optimal dynamic traffic assignment problem for networks with multiple O–D (Origin-Destination) pairs. The path-based cell transmission model is embedded as the underlying dynamic network loading procedure to propagate traffic. The authors propose a novel method to fully capture the effect of flow perturbation on total system cost and accurately compute path marginal cost for each path. This path marginal cost pattern is used in the projection algorithm to equilibrate the departure rate pattern and solve the system optimal dynamic traffic assignment. The authors observe that the results from projection algorithm are more reliable than those from method of successive average algorithm (MSA). Several numerical experiments are tested to illustrate the benefits of the proposed model.
Tumor size and endophytic growth pattern affect recurrence rates after laparoscopic renal cryoablation.

OBJECTIVE To analyze factors that may contribute to local relapse after laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) of renal tumors. LCA has gained popularity in the treatment of small renal tumors, but local tumor control remains a concern. METHODS We analyzed 163 patients who underwent LCA between 2001 and 2008 either at Allegheny General Hospital or Duke University Medical Center, with at least 6 months of follow-up. Demographics, perioperative variables, tumor characteristics (size, pattern of growth, and biopsy results), and follow-up were recorded. Growth pattern was categorized as exophytic, mesophytic, or endophytic. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for local relapse after LCA. RESULTS Median patient age was 66 (range, 33-90) years, with men comprising 60.1% of the cohort. Median tumor size was 2.4 cm (range, 0.5-5.0). Pathology was as follows: renal cell carcinoma in 118 (72.4%), other malignancies in 2 (1.2%), and no malignancy in 43 (26.4%) patients. A single lesion was treated in 95.1% patients and multiple tumors in 4.9%. Endophytic growth pattern was present in 22.8% patients. We observed 7 (4.3%) local recurrences over a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 6-79). Median time to recurrence was 15 months (range, 6-48). On proportional hazards regression, tumor size and endophytic growth pattern were significantly associated with local recurrence (P = .003 and .028; odds ratios [OR] = 4.1 and 11.4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS LCA demonstrated good tumor control over a 5-year follow-up, with an acceptable recurrence rate. Larger tumors and those with endophytic growth pattern may be at increased risk of relapse after LCA.