cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2016

Problem/condition Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Period covered 2016. Description of system The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network is an active surveillance program that provides estimates of the prevalence of ASD among children aged 8 years whose parents or guardians live in 11 ADDM Network sites in the United States (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin). Surveillance is conducted in two phases. The first phase involves review and abstraction of comprehensive evaluations that were completed by medical and educational service providers in the community. In the second phase, experienced clinicians who systematically review all abstracted information determine ASD case status. The case definition is based on ASD criteria described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Results For 2016, across all 11 sites, ASD prevalence was 18.5 per 1,000 (one in 54) children aged 8 years, and ASD was 4.3 times as prevalent among boys as among girls. ASD prevalence varied by site, ranging from 13.1 (Colorado) to 31.4 (New Jersey). Prevalence estimates were approximately identical for non-Hispanic white (white), non-Hispanic black (black), and Asian/Pacific Islander children (18.5, 18.3, and 17.9, respectively) but lower for Hispanic children (15.4). Among children with ASD for whom data on intellectual or cognitive functioning were available, 33% were classified as having intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] ≤70); this percentage was higher among girls than boys (39% versus 32%) and among black and Hispanic than white children (47%, 36%, and 27%, respectively) [corrected]. Black children with ASD were less likely to have a first evaluation by age 36 months than were white children with ASD (40% versus 45%). The overall median age at earliest known ASD diagnosis (51 months) was similar by sex and racial and ethnic groups; however, black children with IQ ≤70 had a later median age at ASD diagnosis than white children with IQ ≤70 (48 months versus 42 months). Interpretation The prevalence of ASD varied considerably across sites and was higher than previous estimates since 2014. Although no overall difference in ASD prevalence between black and white children aged 8 years was observed, the disparities for black children persisted in early evaluation and diagnosis of ASD. Hispanic children also continue to be identified as having ASD less frequently than white or black children. Public health action These findings highlight the variability in the evaluation and detection of ASD across communities and between sociodemographic groups. Continued efforts are needed for early and equitable identification of ASD and timely enrollment in services.
Heavenly numbers. Astronomy and authority in early imperial China: Christopher Cullen, Oxford University Press, 2017, 448pp, £74, ISBN 978-0-1987-3311-9

As Christopher Cullen explains in his preface to Heavenly Numbers, this book offers an introductory history of mathematical astronomy in China from the late third century BCE when China was unified...
From Zero to AI Hero with Automated Machine Learning

Automated ML is an emerging field in Machine Learning that helps developers and new data scientists with little data science knowledge build Machine Learning models and solutions without understanding the complexity of Learning Algorithm selection, and Hyper parameter tuning. With Azure Machine Learning's automated machine learning capability, given a dataset and a few configuration parameters, you will get a trained high quality machine learning model for the dataset that you can use for predictions. In this session, you will learn how to use Automated ML for productivity gains, empowering domain experts to build ML based solutions and scale to build several models with Azure Machine Learning's Automated ML.
Turnaround Time of Plasma Next-Generation Sequencing in Thoracic Oncology Patients: A Quality Improvement Analysis.

PURPOSEGenomic analysis of plasma cell-free DNA has become a widespread tool for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer care. Whereas accuracy has been reported on widely, its usefulness is also tied ...
Visual acuity outcomes and anti-VEGF therapy intensity in macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion: a real-world analysis of 15 613 patient eyes.

Background/Aims To assess visual acuity (VA) outcomes and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy intensity in retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-related macular oedema (ME). Methods A retrospective study was completed in treatment-naive patients with RVO-related ME from 2013 to 2019, using the Vestrum Health Retina Database. Results Mean baseline age was 72.4 years and 54% were women. In 6 months, in 8876 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-related ME, after a mean of 4.5 anti-VEGF injections, VA increased by 9.4 letters (95% confidence interval (CI) for change in VA +8.94 to +9.78, p Conclusion Mean change in VA correlates with treatment intensity, but patients with better VA at presentation are susceptible to vision loss, reflecting a ceiling effect. Assessed with the same database, VA gains compare favourably with 1-year VA gains in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic ME, but exhibit a larger gap when compared with corresponding randomised controlled trials.
A spatial analytical approach to assess the impact of a casino on crime: An example of JACK Casino in downtown Cincinnati

Abstract This study examines the macro and micro impacts of a casino on multiple crime types over time. JACK Casino, opened on March 4, 2013, is near the Central Business District of Cincinnati, Ohio. We use the weighted displacement quotient and a series of negative binomial models for the years from 2010 to 2016 to compare before-and-after crime patterns within the neighboring area of the casino (within 400-meter) compared to the entire city. Results show that the casino has differing effects on property and violent crime in regard to crime density and spatial patterns. Within the casino's neighboring area, property crime density decreased in the year of construction (2012) and the year of opening (2013), but increased in the following years (2014–2016). At the same time, the city experienced an overall decline in property crime. Also, property crime incidents started to cluster around the casino after its opening. We confirmed this distance decay by statistical analyses at both macro (citywide) and micro (neighboring area) scales. In contrast, the casino did not show such an obvious impact on violent crime. The initial increase of violent crime density just after the casino opened was followed by a drop to the pre-casino level. Meanwhile, although violent crime patterns around the casino were slightly altered because of the casino, the change was not statistically significant. The difference between property and violent crime in response to the casino's opening is an important contribution to the literature. Our findings also demonstrate that it is vital to examine the micro-spatial and temporal impact of casinos, rather than rely on the cross-sectional examination of jurisdiction-wide crime levels. Further, this approach should be generally applicable to other regions.
Interface Features and Users' Well-Being: Measuring the Sensitivity of Users' Well-Being to Resource Constraints and Feature Types

Users increasingly face multiple interface features on one hand, and constraints on available resources (e.g., time, attention) on the other. Understanding the sensitivity of users' well-being to feature type and resource constraints, is critical for informed design. Building on microeconomic theory, and focusing on social information features, users' interface choices were conceptualized as an exchange of resources (e.g., time), in return for access to goods (social information features). We studied how sensitive users' well-being is to features' type, and to their cost level and type. We found that (1) increased cost of feature use leads to decreased well-being, (2) users' well-being is a function of features' cost type, and (3) users' well-being is sensitive to differences in feature type. The approach used here to quantify user well-being derived from interface features offers a basis for asynchronous feature comparison.
Longitudinal Changes in Exercise Capacity in Patients Who Underwent Ross Procedure and Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement: Does the Type of Surgery Matter?

The surgical options for significant aortic valve disease include either Ross procedure (RP) or aortic valve replacement (AVR). The exercise stress test is routinely performed in these patients to assess the objective functional capacity. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the differences and the longitudinal changes of exercise capacity in patients following the RP and AVR for aortic valve disease. This is an IRB approved retrospective study and included patients who had either RP or AVR performed for aortic valve disease and had at least one exercise stress test performed after the surgical procedure. Patients with other congenital heart disease, pacemaker or defibrillators, and those with inadequate data were excluded. Demographic data including age at surgery, type of surgery and type of aortic valve was collected. Data regarding treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was also collected. A total of 47 patients met inclusion criteria and were equally represented in each group, i.e. RP [n = 23, 73.9% male, age at surgery 11.2 (4.5–15.9) years] vs. AVR [n = 24, 88% mechanical AVR, 60.9% male, age at surgery 15.1 (12.8–19.4) years]. There was a significant decline in predicted oxygen consumption (%VO2) at time of first post-operative CPET in patients after AVR compared to RP (79 vs. 88%, p = 0.048) over a similar accrued median interval follow-up (4.6 vs. 6.2 years, p = 0.2). The longitudinal follow-up analysis of following AVR (n = 11, 54.5% male, median inter-test duration of 5 years) showed significant decline in peak exercise capacity or VO2 (34.2 vs. 26.2 vs., p = 0.006). In contrast, after RP (n = 12 patients [58.3% male, median inter-test duration 7.1 of years], exercise capacity and other key parameters remained preserved. In this small sentinel study, we report a better initial exercise capacity among patients after RP compared to AVR over an intermediate follow-up. During longitudinal follow-up in a subset of patients, exercise capacity remained preserved amongst the RP group while it further declined in the AVR group.
Use Case Analysis for Standard Manufacturing Service Capability Model

Manufacturing enterprises are becoming globally distributed production systems. Rigid supply chains are giving way to dynamic supply networks that are cost-efficient and can respond to change quickly. A key factor in the formation of dynamic supply networks is the communication of manufacturing capabilities – both production capabilities and information processing capabilities. These are collectively referred to as manufacturing service capability (MSC) information. Presently, MSC information is provided using many different, proprietary terminologies and representations. The lack of a standard model impedes communications of MSC information. We propose the development of a standard MSC model to enhance the MSC information communications. This paper motives such development by presenting a use case analysis that illustrates the current and a desirable future state of MSC information communication. The future state, which relies on a standard MSC model can advance the current practice and allow precise and computer-interpretable representation of MSC information.
Basic data report for drillholes H-17 and H-18 (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant-WIPP)

Drillholes H-17 and H-18 were drilled at the WIPP site to assess uncertainties in site hydrologic parameters and to serve as monitoring points for planned hydrologic tests. H-17 was drilled south of H-11 and east of P-17 to evaluate the existence of a high-permeability region in the Culebra Dolomite Member that had been indicated by groundwater-flow modeling and surface geophysical surveys. H-18 was drilled north of H-2 to help reduce the uncertainties of boundaries between high and low transmissivities and fluid density that had been identified by drilling and by modeling. 1 ref., 4 figs., 6 tabs.
Electron microscopical studies of frozen-dried yeast. I. Localization of polysaccharides.

Abstract Cytochemical identification of the principally known yeast polysaccharides, based on a combination of the periodic acid oxidation—leucofuchsin method (PAS) and the advantages of freezing-drying, has been achieved through a series of cytological controls. The principal polysaccharidic reserve in the cytoplasm is glycogen; high initial magnifications reveal in actively growing cells discrete 150 to 200 A particles and these are identified as the denser cores of glycogen molecules. The latter increase vastly in aging cells and are amenable to the action of phosphorylase, salivary amylase, and water extraction, which leave the mannan and glucan components of the cell wall relatively unaffected. A residuum of diffuse, unidentified substances (possibly of a mucin, mucoprotein, or mucopolysaccharide nature) is observable in the cytoplasm. The cell wall is composed of two layers, of which the outer one is represented by the 1:4 linked stainable glycoside, mannan. Boiling dilute acid removes mannan and associated protein, leaving a double membrane in its place. This acid resistant membrane is not susceptible to proteolytic digestion and is identified as chitin. The inner wall layer is comprised of the 1:3 linked, non-stainable glucopyranoside, glucan. The plug region of bud scars is a morphological entity distinct chemically from mannan and glucan, and exhibits special properties toward control treatments.
The RS CVN Project at Capilla Peak Observatory

The 61-cm telescope at the Capilla Peak Observatory of the University of New Mexico was used extensively from 1979 to 1982 for UBVR observations of selected RS CVn stars. (See Elston and Zeilik, 1982, for details of the system.) Complete coverage was obtained from most of the short-period systems (Hall, 1976)--RT and CG Cyg, XY Uma (the most active of these systems), UV Psc and ER Vul--with a precision of 0.01 mag or better for each datum. Our early experiences showed that these stars had rapid intrinsic variations (within a month).
Bypassing the need for subcellular localization of a polysaccharide export‐anchor complex by overexpressing its protein subunits

Subcellular protein localization is thought to promote protein-protein interaction by increasing the effective concentration and enabling spatial co-ordination and proper segregation of proteins. We found that protein overexpression allowed the assembly of a productive polysaccharide biosynthesis-export-anchoring complex in the absence of polar localization in Caulobacter crescentus. Polar localization of the holdfast export protein, HfsD, depends on the presence of the other export proteins, HfsA and HfsB, and on the polar scaffold protein PodJ. The holdfast deficiency of hfsB and podJ mutants is suppressed by the overexpression of export proteins. Restored holdfasts are randomly positioned and colocalize with a holdfast anchor protein in these strains, indicating that functional complexes can form at non-polar sites. Therefore, overexpression of export proteins surpasses a concentration threshold necessary for holdfast synthesis. Restoration of holdfast synthesis at non-polar sites reduces surface adhesion, consistent with the need to spatially co-ordinate the holdfast synthesis machinery with the flagellum and pili. These strains lack the cell-specific segregation of the holdfast, resulting in the presence of holdfasts in motile daughter cells. Our results highlight the fact that multiple facets of subcellular localization can be coupled to improve the phenotypic outcome of a protein assembly.
War and Suicide

: The suicide rate generally appears to decline during the time of war. The traditional psychodynamic explanation that this decrease results from the legitimization of outward aggression is questioned. World War II evidence from both occupied and neutral countries, together with fluctuations of the suicide rates among the Scandinavian countries, are better understood as reflecting the social conditions of wartime, rather than the presence of actual fighting. These data, and others, point to the hypothesis that the decreased suicide rate during wartime is tied to the greater social integration–increased patriotism, ease of promotions, greater sense of purpose, and so forth–resulting from a state of war.
Potential Causes of Higher Mortality in Elderly Users of Conventional and Atypical Antipsychotic Medications

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential mechanisms through which conventional antipsychotic medication (APM) might act, the specific causes of death in elderly patients newly started on conventional APM were compared with those of patients taking atypical APM. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: All British Columbia residents aged 65 and older who initiated a conventional or atypical APM between 1996 and 2004. MEASUREMENTS: Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare risks of developing a specific cause of death within 180 days of APM initiation. Potential confounders were adjusted for using traditional multivariable, propensity-score, and instrumental-variable adjustments. RESULTS: The study cohort included 12,882 initiators of conventional APM and 24,359 initiators of atypical APM. Of 3,821 total deaths within the first 180 day of use, cardiovascular (CV) deaths accounted for 49% of deaths. Initiators of conventional APM had a significantly higher adjusted risk of all CV death (hazard ratio (HR)=1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10–1.36) and out-of-hospital CV death (HR=1.36, 95% CI=1.19–1.56) than initiators of atypical APM. Initiators of conventional APM also had a higher risk of death due to respiratory diseases, nervous system diseases, and other causes. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that greater risk of CV deaths might explain approximately half of the excess mortality in initiators of conventional APM. The risk of death due to respiratory causes was also significantly higher in conventional APM use.
Substrate resistance modeling and circuit-level simulation of parasitic device coupling effects for CMOS I/O circuits under ESD stress

In CMOS technologies, the layout and placement of devices and substrate contacts can have significant impact on the circuit's ESD (electrostatic discharge) performance due to their interactions through the common silicon substrate. To perform accurate circuit-level ESD simulation, a circuit model for the silicon substrate is needed. In this work, we propose a new substrate resistance network model. In addition, we provide a novel and accurate substrate resistance extractor iSREX (Illinois substrate resistance extractor) using the 3D finite difference method. It takes into account the three-dimensional effects of the vertical substrate doping profile and the substrate contact placement. The usefulness of the proposed model and the resistance extractor for layout optimization is demonstrated with a case study.
Thou shalt covet thy neighbor's cake

The problem of fairly dividing a cake (as a metaphor for a heterogeneous divisible good) has been the subject of much interest since the 1940's, and is of importance in multiagent resource allocation. Two fairness criteria are usually considered: proportionality, in the sense that each of the n agents receives at least 1/n of the cake; and the stronger property of envy-freeness, namely that each agent prefers its own piece of cake to the others' pieces. For proportional division, there are algorithms that require O(n log n) steps, and recent lower bounds imply that one cannot do better. In stark contrast, known (discrete) algorithms for envy-free division require an unbounded number of steps, even when there are only four agents. In this paper, we give an Ω(n2) lower bound for the number of steps required by envy-free cake-cutting algorithms. This result provides, for the first time, a true separation between envy-free and proportional division, thus giving a partial explanation for the notorious difficulty of the former problem.
Feedback control of congestion in store-and-forward datagram networks: the case of a single congested node

A rate-based feedback approach to congestion control in store-and-forward data networks is addressed. A controller structure and system architecture are introduced, and the analysis of the resulting closed-loop system is presented. Conditions for asymptotic stability is derived. A design technique for the controller gains is developed, and an illustrative example is presented. The results show that, under appropriately selected control gains, a stable (nonoscillatory) operation of store-and-forward data networks with feedback congestion control is possible. >
Contribution of hydrouracil and its derivatives to pyrimidine biosynthesis II. Mechanism studies

Abstract In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of RNA formation from CβA and HU the relative incorporation of a number of derivatives was determined. From the data it is clear that the ribotides of CβA and HU are much superior to the parent compounds and to orotate or CO 2 as precursors of RNA. The ribosides of CβA and HU were incorporated somewhat better than the parent compounds. To clarify the intermediate steps in the sequence, the appearance of [ 14 C]CβA and [ 14 C]HU into their ribotides was demonstrated. A reaction involving DPN and HURP to give URP was demonstrated and attempts to purify the system were made. Apparently, TPN and/or the flavins are not involved. Evidence for the cyclization of CARP to HURP was obtained with the suggestion that a more exergonic condition than simple reversal of hydrolysis is required.
A simplified method for the culturing of primary adult rat and human hepatocytes as multicellular spheroids

A simple and highly reproducible method was established for the culturing of adult rat and human hepatocytes as multicellular aggregates (spheroids). Purified rat and human liver parenchymal cells were cultured on nontissue culture (bacteriological) polystyrene petri dishes on a rotating platform. After an overnight incubation, the cells were found to form multicellular aggregates. The aggregates became spheroidal in shape after several days in culture. Histological sections of the spheroids showed an organized structure consisting of squamated cells on the outermost layer and cuboidal cells in the interior. Cellular structures characteristic of hepatocytes in the liver in vivo including bile canaliculi, peroxisomes, Golgi boides, abundant mitochondria, and rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were observed with electron microscopy. The spheroids were found to be viable up to the longest time studied of approx. 1 month in culture as demonstrated by their adherence and growth on collagen-coated substratum. The morphological resemblance between hepatocytes cultured as spheroids and the liver in vivo suggests that the spheroids may be a useful in vitro experimental model of the liver. Our simple method should allow hepatocytes to be cultured as spheroids easily in any laboratory equipped for cell culture. Our study here also is the first to report the culturing of human hepatocytes as spheroids.
The Correlates and Consequences of Drug Involvement Among Youths Entering a Juvenile Justice Diversion Program

ABSTRACT We report the results of the relationship of lifetime and past year drug involvement to psychosocial functioning among youths entering a Juvenile Arbitration Program (a diversion program) in the 13th Judicial Circuit, who enrolled in a Center for Substance Abuse Treatment funded study. The project is a clinical trial evaluating an innovative intervention service providing sixteen weeks of intensive case management services to youths and their families. The present study examines baseline interview data for 165 youths who entered the Juvenile Arbitration Program between June 2002 and July 2003 and agreed to participate in the project. The results indicate that drug involvement is a significant issue among the youths we studied, and is related to functioning problems in a number of key areas of their lives. Indeed, the greater their drug involvement, the more psychosocial problems they report experiencing. These findings contradict public opinion that youths placed in diversion programs have relati...
Wishes, Motives, Goals, and Personal Memories: Relations of Measures of Human Motivation

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of explicit and implicit motives. One hundred and one participants completed six measures of motivation, including Thematic Apperceptive stories, autobiographical memories, three wishes, personal striving lists, the Personality Research Form, and self-ratings. Stories, memories, wishes, and strivings were content-analyzed using Winter's (1989) system. Although overall correlations did emerge among explicit measures within the same motive, there were numerous correlations among methodologically similar measures of different motives. In general, explicit measures did not correlate with thematic measures of the same motives. Although correlations among measures were similar for men and women, explicit measures of power converged with thematic measures of power only for men. Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors: explicit achievement, explicit affiliation, and power. Implicit achievement motivation loaded negatively on the affiliation factor. Implications for research on implicit and self-attributed motivation are discussed.
Relationships Among Intrapartum Maternal Fluid Intake, Birth Type, Neonatal Output, and Neonatal Weight Loss During the First 48 Hours After Birth

ABSTRACT Objective To examine predictive relationships among intrapartum maternal fluid intake, birth type, neonatal output, and neonatal weight loss during the first 48 hours after birth. Design Prospective descriptive design. Setting Women's center of a 900-bed regional acute care facility with 6,700 births per year. Participants A convenience sample of 200 mother/neonate dyads. The Optimality Index of Murphy and Fullerton guided the inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure healthy dyads. Methods Data collection began in the intrapartum period and concluded with maternal/neonatal discharge. Measures included maternal intrapartum fluid intake from admission to birth, daily neonatal weight, output, and feedings. Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, tests of significance and multiple regression. Results Neonatal weight loss was not significantly related to intrapartum maternal fluid intake. Strong predictors of neonatal weight loss and significant weight loss within the first 48 hours were type of feeding ( p =.000) and average number of wet diapers ( p =.003). Conclusions Variables predictive of neonatal weight loss can facilitate identification of at-risk neonates to prevent significant weight loss. Close monitoring of the number of wet diapers in the first 48 hours and accurate daily weights at birth time can lead to early detection and preventive interventions.
Rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium abscessus endophthalmitis

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are widely distributed in the environment and have the potential to cause a wide spectrum of infections including pulmonary, bone, soft tissue or ocular infections. They are a rare cause of endophthalmitis, a potentially devastating condition, which may be acquired through contamination of water or antiseptic solutions. Diagnosis is often delayed due to low clinical suspicion, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Newer laboratory techniques such as real-time PCR can be used for rapid detection, identification and speciation of mycobacteria and allow for initiation of focused antibiotic therapy. We describe a case of Mycobacterium abscessus endophthalmitis that developed 30 years after traumatic loss of cornea in a patient with diabetes mellitus.
Obtaining representations for probabilities of voting outcomes with effectively unlimited precision integer arithmetic

A procedure is developed to obtain representations for the probability of election outcomes with the Impartial Anonymous Culture Condition and the Maximal Culture Condition. The procedure is based upon a process of performing arithmetic with integers, while maintaining absolute precision with very large integer numbers. The procedure is then used to develop probability representations for a number of different voting outcomes, which have to date been considered to be intractable to obtain with the use of standard algebraic techniques.
Heat Shock Protein 27 Inhibits Apoptosis in Human Neutrophils

Background. Prolonged neutrophil(PMN) survival has been implicated in tissue injury following sepsis. A variety of bacterial products have been identified which inhibit PMN apoptosis including lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Extracellular heat shock proteins(Hsp) have recently been identified as potent regulatory signals for the innate immune system during the inflammatory response. We hypothesized that Hsp 27 can affect PMN phenotype with respect to apoptosis and cytokine profile. Materials and methods. PMN were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy human volunteers by red blood cell sedimentation and gradient centrifugation. Cells were placed in media and cultured for 18 h with and without recombinant human Hsp 27 at various concentrations. In parallel experiments, PMN were stimulated with LPS, a known inhibitor of PMN apoptosis, for comparison. Apoptosis was quantified using annexin V and propidium iodide staining with flow cytometric analysis. Culture supernatants were assayed for secretion of TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-12. Results. Hsp 27 significantly inhibits PMN apoptosis [control; 81.8 ± 3.6%, vs Hsp 27, 60.4 ± 4.1% p < 0.05]. The reduction is similar to that signaled by LPS, alone. Together their effect is not synergistic. The Hsp 27 response is dose-dependent. Hsp 27 does not induce secretion of TNF-α, IL-10, or IL-12, whereas LPS does signal IL-12 and TNF-α secretion. Conclusion. These data demonstrate that exogenous Hsp 27 may play a role in neutrophil-mediated tissue injury during trauma and sepsis via its ability to inhibit neutrophil apoptosis. However, Hsp 27 does not significantly alter neutrophil phenotype with respect to cytokine production profile.
On the bias of functions of characteristic roots of a random matrix

Let Z = (zij) be arandomp xp symmetricmatrixwith EZ = A, i.e. Ezij = aj (i,j= 1,... ,p). An application to the theory of response surface estimation led van der Vaart (1961) to consider the expectation-bias and median-bias of the characteristic roots of Z as estimators of the characteristic roots of A. Denote the (real) characteristic roots of a matrix X by A(X) with the ordering A1(X) > ... > Ap(X). Van der Vaart proved that if Z is a symmetric matrix, then EA1(Z) > A1(A) and EAp(Z) O} = P{trC(Z -A) A1(A)} > 1 and P{Ap(Z) 2. If absolute continuity is assumed, these bias inequalities become strict. The purpose of this paper is to show how to generate a wide class of inequalities between EA(Z) and A(EZ). In particular, some of the results of van der Vaart (1961) can be strengthened by a weakening of the assumption that Z be a symmetric matrix. When Z is symmetric, the expectation-bias and median-bias may also be obtained for partial sums of the roots, and when Z is positive definite, the expectation-bias is obtained for more general functions of the roots. Expectation-bias for the roots of the determinantal equation IZl Z21 = 0 is presented; of particular interest is the determinantal equation for the canonical correlations. Inequalities for the median-bias of certain linear combinations of the roots are also developed. These inequalities are obtained as direct consequences of known results concerning the convexity of scalar functions of a matrix. An extension of Jensen's inequality to convex matrix functions using the Loewner ordering for matrices is also given; this extension then serves as a source of other inequalities.
Restricted maturation of antibody-binding characteristics for hapten-specific IgM-plaque-forming cells in mice

Abstract Inhibition of plaque formation was used as a method for studying changes in binding characteristics of IgM antibody specific for the hapten, 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP). By incorporating successive concentrations of TNP ligand into specific hemolytic plaque assays, we were able to obtain inhibition curves and to determine relative ligand binding of anti-TNP antibodies secreted by plaque-forming cell (PFC) populations. The concentration of free hapten required to obtain 50% reduction in IgM PFC decreased with time after immunization, indicating that an increase in average binding affinity of their secreted antibodes occurred. The slopes of the inhibition curves also increased with time after immunization. Maturation with regard to the above two properties was virtually complete for IgM PFC 5–7 days after immunization. The manner by which the slopes of the inhibition curves changed suggested that maturation occurred as the result of a simple selective process, and it appeared to involve primarily precursor cells existing prior to administration of antigen.
A new plate finite element model for rotating plate structures with constrained damping layer

Constrained layer damping (CLD) is an effective approach to suppress vibrations. While most of the studies are concentrated on the rotating beams with constrained damping layer, it will be more significant to investigate rotating plate structures for practical applications. In this research, a new plate finite element model is developed for a rotating plate based on an extension of the previous finite element for CLD in beam-like structures. In the new plate finite element, both shear and extension strains are considered in all of the three layers in the CLD rotating plate. Meanwhile, the stiffening effect due to the rotation is included in the model. The numerical results show that this new finite element model is able to accurately predict dynamic characteristics of the rotating plate. Parametric studies also show that frequency and damping ratio of all modes are influenced by both core layer and constraining layer thickness, while the torsion modes are dependent on an aspect ratio, wider plate leads to lower frequency of the torsion modes. The plate parameters also have an impact on the frequency response function (FRF) results, albeit, not significant. The finite element model developed in this study can be used for the vibration suppression design of rotating plates.
Exploring the perioptome: the role of genomics in thoracic surgery and anaesthesia.

Purpose of reviewGenetic variation almost certainly affects every aspect of a patient's perioperative experience, yet almost nothing is known of the details involved. This review introduces the concept of static and dynamic genetic variation as a determinant of outcome after thoracic surgery and dis
Spontaneous Emission in Semiclassical Radiation Theory

It has recently been shown by Jaynes and collaborators that semiclassical radiation theory contains a description of spontaneous emission of radiation and of radiative level shifts. The present paper gives a gauge-invariant derivation of the radiant energy production rate, using only Maxwell's equations and the usual definitions of electric current and charge density for a many-particle material system described by Schr\"odinger's equation. A complementary derivation, using the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation, verifies the instantaneous conservation of energy and probability during the radiation process. The semiclassical rate of spontaneous emission differs from the usual formula (Einstein's $A$ coefficient) because it depends on the occupancy of both initial and final states of the material system. The implications of this with regard to thermal equilibrium and Planck's law are examined. If a new hypothesis is introduced, postulating the decomposition of the equilibrium radiation into incoherent components, each interacting with a specific pair of energy levels of the material system, then Planck's law is shown to hold for the total intensity of radiation. If this hypothesis is not introduced, the equilibrium conditions for different transitions are incompatible, and the semiclassical radiation theory is incapable of describing thermal equilibrium.
Mitsoamide: A cytotoxic linear lipopeptide from the Madagascar marine cyanobacterium Geitlerinema sp.

A new cytotoxic and linear peptide (IC 50 460 nM to NCI-H460 human lung tumor cells) was isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Geitlerinema sp. The planar structure of mitsoamide was deduced by 1D and 2D NMR experiments in combination with MS analy- ses. The structure of mitsoamide contains an unusual polyketide unit (3,7-dimethoxy-5- methyl-nonanedioic acid, DMNA), incorporates a homolysine (HomoLys) residue and pos- sesses a highly unusual piperidine aminal moiety. The configurations of the relatively common amino acids present in mitsoamide (Ala, Ile, N-Me-Ile, Phe, Val) were determined by chiral HPLC analysis of the acid hydrolysate.
X-ray polefigure analyses of texturing and textural hardening observed in mechanical deformation of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oz superconductor HIP cladded on Ag substrate

Abstract The c -axis texture evolution due to rolling of a 2223 BSCCO superconductor has been studied by an X-ray polefigure method, using the “popLA” (preferred orientation package-Los Alamos) software package. The specimens were fabricated on Ag substrate by a HIP cladding technique to prepare a randomly oriented state as the starting material. As the amount of cold-rolling reduction increased, a tighter clustering of the (00 14 ) poles, around the surface normal, indicated that the c -axis of randomly oriented grains, from the initial HIP cladded surface, rotated towards the normal direction. In addition, (105), (109), and (110) experimental polefigure studies indicated that under deformation, those plane normals tend to form a fiber texture around the compression direction of rolling (normal direction). After achieving a certain degree of texturing, saturation due to textural hardening was observed.
Cellular and molecular players in adipose tissue inflammation in the development of obesity-induced insulin resistance

There is increasing evidence showing that inflammation is an important pathogenic mediator of the development of obesity-induced insulin resistance. It is now generally accepted that tissue-resident immune cells play a major role in the regulation of this obesity-induced inflammation. The roles that adipose tissue (AT)-resident immune cells play have been particularly extensively studied. AT contains most types of immune cells and obesity increases their numbers and activation levels, particularly in AT macrophages (ATMs). Other pro-inflammatory cells found in AT include neutrophils, Th1 CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, B cells, DCs, and mast cells. However, AT also contains anti-inflammatory cells that counter the pro-inflammatory immune cells that are responsible for the obesity-induced inflammation in this tissue. These anti-inflammatory cells include regulatory CD4 T cells (Tregs), Th2 CD4 T cells, and eosinophils. Hence, AT inflammation is shaped by the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cell homeostasis, and obesity skews this balance towards a more pro-inflammatory status. Recent genetic studies revealed several molecules that participate in the development of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. In this review, the cellular and molecular players that participate in the regulation of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance are discussed, with particular attention being placed on the roles of the cellular players in these pathogeneses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Modulation of Adipose Tissue in Health and Disease.
Pathological gambling and the DSM-V

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is in the process of updating the fifth of edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is the primary classificati...
The information-seeking behavior of pastoral clergy : A study of the interaction of their work worlds and work roles

Abstract This study asked whether the information-seeking behavior of pastoral clergy was governed by the interaction of their work worlds and work roles. It was proposed that the pastor operates in a closed system when world and role are significantly dependent upon each other and in an open system of information-seeking when world and role are less dependent upon each other. The study was grounded in the sense-making theory of information seeking developed by Dervin and colleagues, and in a combining of social network theory and role theory. The investigator employed a mailed survey with a large stratified random sample of 378 pastoral clergy from six religious groups and structured interviews with 20 practicing clergy and qualitative techniques to analyze the content. Findings indicate that pastoral clergy tended to use different types of sources in different roles and that certain combinations of pastoral worlds and pastoral roles influenced whether the information-seeking behavior would be open or closed. The theological world contributed to a closed pattern in all three roles, while the denominational and congregational worlds helped produce this effect in only the administrative role.
Structure and epitaxy of anodic TiO2/Ti(1120)

We report the results of a study by synchrotron X-ray scattering of the anodic oxide formed on Ti(1120). The oxide was grown slowly by ramping the potential to 9–10 V at 0.1 mV/s in 0.1N H2SO4. We find that the film consists of crystalline TiO2, present in nearly equal amounts as rutile and anatase. There is no evidence for amorphous oxides or oxides with stoichiometry different from TiO2. The rutile is orietationally ordered to within 8° of the Ti substrate; its tetragonal a- and b-axes are in the Ti[1100] and [0001] directions, and the c-axis is along the surface normal. The rutile diffraction peak widths correspond to an average in-plane domain size of 40 A. The anatase has domains twice this size, but it is not as orientationally ordered as the rutile. The dominant anatase orientation has its (013) planes in the surface, rotated azimuthally so that the near-neighbor Ti-Ti bonds are matched as closely as possible between the Ti and the oxide. Because both rutile and anatase have well-defined orientations with respect to the Ti substrate, but not to each other, we propose that both oxides are formed at the metal/oxide interface.
Family Income Gradients in the Health and Health Care Access of US Children

This study sought to examine the shape and magnitude of family income gradients in US children’s health, access to care, and use of services. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health, a telephone survey of 102,353 parents of children aged 0–17 years. Associations between family income [Below 100% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), 100–199% FPL, 200–299% FPL, 300–399% FPL, 400% FPL or Greater] and a set of 32 health and health care indicators were examined using linear polynomial testing and multivariate logistic regression. The percentage of children in better health increased with family income for 15 health outcomes. In multivariate logistic regression models that controlled for health insurance coverage and socio-demographic confounders, odds ratios >2 comparing the lowest to the highest income groups were noted for health conditions across both physical and developmental domains (diabetes, headaches, ear infections, learning disabilities, behavior/conduct problems, speech problems). Parent-reported global child health status, activity limitation, and oral health status showed steeper gradients than specific chronic and acute conditions. Ten measures of health care access and utilization were associated with family income in multivariate logistic regression models. Income gradients are pervasive across many health indicators at an early age. Social and health policy interventions are needed to address the multitude of factors that can affect children’s health and initiate disparities in development.
Number of animals for sequential testing

Abstract US regulatory agencies have used six animals in eye irritation tests. Analyses of eye irritation tests on pesticides (n = 48), consumer products and cosmetics (n = 53), Marzulli and Ruggles database (n = 139), and cleaning products and ingredients (n = 30) have greatly extended previous investigations of the merit of reducing animal sample size in the eye test. Given the existing scoring system for positive animal responses (corneal opacity ⩾1, iritis ⩾1, conjuctival redness ⩾2 and conjunctival chemosis ⩾2), the accuracy of the classification systems currently used by these agencies was determined. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, US Food and Drug Administration, and US Occupational Safety and Health Administration use a classification system by which a substance is designated as an irritant when at least four of six animals give a positive response. This decision rule leads to a very high accuracy of at least 99% with essentially no false positive and false negative judgments. In contrast, the system used by the US Environmental Protection Agency pesticide program, in which only one or more of six treated animals result in an irritant decision, has an accuracy of only 50–80% with very high false positive rates. Analyses indicated that test sample size could be reduced to three and still preserve very good accuracy, whereas two-animal and one-animal tests did not give satisfactory responses. A two-stage test, in which two animals are tested and evaluated in the first stage before the need for testing one more animal in the second stage is determined, also demonstrated good operating characteristics. Both the one-stage/three-animal test and the two-stage test deserve consideration.
Agglomerates and granules of nanoparticles as filter media for submicron particles

Abstract An experimental study on filtration of submicron solid and liquid aerosol particles by using a filter media composed of agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles is described. Fumed silica nanoagglomerates, carbon black granules, silica shells, activated carbon granules, glass beads and nanoporous hydrophobic aerogel were among the granular filter media tested and compared to a commercially available HEPA fiber-based filter. Other than the glass beads which were used for comparison purposes, the primary particle size of the agglomerates/granules is of nanometer scale, but they agglomerate to form porous structures of about several hundreds of microns which were customized as packed (deep bed) or fluidized bed filters and challenged against submicron solid and liquid aerosols. For packed bed filters, the size of the granules has been optimized to a range of 150–500 µm with a filter thickness of about 1–3 in. and superficial gas velocities of less than 4 cm/s. Fluidized beds required granules smaller than 150 µm and the height of the bed was in the range of 15–40 cm. The customized filters and a HEPA fiber-based filter were challenged simultaneously against the same aerosol at the same superficial gas velocities. When using carbon black or aerogel granules as filter media, collection efficiencies comparable or even higher than HEPA fiber-based filters are obtained, but with the advantage of extra filtration capacity due to the deep bed configuration and the absorption of liquids into the porosity of the media. A fluidized bed filter of aerogel granules not only provides higher collection efficiency and larger capacity than a HEPA fiber-based filter when challenged against both oil mist and solid aerosols but also has an extremely low pressure drop compared to a packed bed filter and can be operated continuously with respect to removing saturated granules and adding fresh ones.