cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL-10 Diminishes CTLA-4 Expression on Islet-Resident T Cells and Sustains Their Activation Rather Than Tolerance

IL-10, a powerful anti-Th1 cytokine, has shown paradoxical effects against diabetes. The mechanism underlying such variable function remains largely undefined. An approach for controlled mobilization of endogenous IL-10 was applied to the NOD mouse and indicated that IL-10 encounter with diabetogenic T cells within the islets sustains activation, while encounter occurring peripheral to the islets induces tolerance. Insulin β-chain (INSβ) 9-23 peptide was expressed on an Ig, and the aggregated (agg) form of the resulting Ig-INSβ triggered IL-10 production by APCs, and expanded IL-10-producing T regulatory cells. Consequently, agg Ig-INSβ delayed diabetes effectively in young NOD mice whose pathogenic T cells remain peripheral to the islets. However, agg Ig-INSβ was unable to suppress the disease in 10-wk-old insulitis-positive animals whose diabetogenic T cells have populated the islets. This is not due to irreversibility of the disease because soluble Ig-INSβ did delay diabetes in these older mice. Evidence is provided indicating that upon migration to the islet, T cells were activated and up-regulated CTLA-4 expression. IL-10, however, reverses such up-regulation, abolishing CTLA-4-inhibitory functions and sustaining activation of the islet T lymphocytes. Therefore, IL-10 supports T cell tolerance in the periphery, but its interplay with CTLA-4 sustains activation within the islets. As a result, IL-10 displays opposite functions against diabetes in young vs older insulitis-positive mice.
Relationship of behavioral state and tube-feeding to non-nutritive sucking in premature infants

Abstract Purpose Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) has developmental benefits for premature infants, yet little is known about how behavior state or feeding conditions affect this behavior. We examined how NNS varies in amount and organization in relation to (1) behavioral state and (2) tube-feeding conditions. Design Ten-minute observations of NNS together with behavioral state assessment, prior to and during tube-feeding. Analyze quantitative and qualitative NNS measures from digital records in relation to behavioral and feeding conditions via repeated measures ANOVA. Sample Premature infants ( n =56), 30.7±2.1 weeks gestational age at birth, 32–34 weeks postmenstrual age when studied. Results Increased arousal correlated with increased, more mature patterns of NNS activity. Surprisingly, tube-feeding was associated with reduced amount, and simpler patterns, of NNS activity, although burst length, and the quality of suck waves, were maintained. These results inform continuing efforts in the NICU to assess and encourage NNS.
Domain selection combined with improved cloning strategy for high throughput expression of higher eukaryotic proteins

Expression of higher eukaryotic genes as soluble, stable recombinant proteins is still a bottleneck step in biochemical and structural studies of novel proteins today. Correct identification of stable domains/fragments within the open reading frame (ORF), combined with proper cloning strategies, can greatly enhance the success rate when higher eukaryotic proteins are expressed as these domains/fragments. Furthermore, a HTP cloning pipeline incorporated with bioinformatics domain/fragment selection methods will be beneficial to studies of structure and function genomics/proteomics. With bioinformatics tools, we developed a domain/domain boundary prediction (DDBP) method, which was trained by available experimental data. Combined with an improved cloning strategy, DDBP had been applied to 57 proteins from C. elegans. Expression and purification results showed there was a 10-fold increase in terms of obtaining purified proteins. Based on the DDBP method, the improved GATEWAY cloning strategy and a robotic platform, we constructed a high throughput (HTP) cloning pipeline, including PCR primer design, PCR, BP reaction, transformation, plating, colony picking and entry clones extraction, which have been successfully applied to 90 C. elegans genes, 88 Brucella genes, and 188 human genes. More than 97% of the targeted genes were obtained as entry clones. This pipeline has a modular design and can adopt different operations for a variety of cloning/expression strategies. The DDBP method and improved cloning strategy were satisfactory. The cloning pipeline, combined with our recombinant protein HTP expression pipeline and the crystal screening robots, constitutes a complete platform for structure genomics/proteomics. This platform will increase the success rate of purification and crystallization dramatically and promote the further advancement of structure genomics/proteomics.
An Abortion Clinic Ethnography

of deviance have usually been, in some degree, removed from the actual phenomena under investigation. Thus all too often reports dealing with unconventional social behavior and/or its organization have been based on official statistics produced by variously concerned agencies and on self-reports by the apprehended violators of formal rules and regulations. Neither of these sources is likely to produce an unbiased sample of deviant actors, their actions, and the social organization of these phenomena.' An alternative method of pursuing the study of deviance, one rarely utilized, is to develop contacts with unapprehended deviants themselves, i.e. to go directly to unconventional actors and their subcultures; it is only with such procedures that the natural context of deviance can be studied without the
Coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract This article reviews patient selection criteria for patent ductus arteriosus coil occlusion, different types of available coils and techniques of the occlusion itself. Several series are reviewed and commented upon. Finally, remaining issues are discussed.
Association of blood type and patient characteristics with ovarian reserve.

Objective To assess whether blood type was associated with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) (day-3 follicle-stimulating hormone level >10 IU/L), controlling for history of tobacco smoking, body mass index (BMI), history of endometriosis, ovarian surgery, previous pregnancy, and maternal age. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic medical center, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Patient(s) Women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) from 2006–2011 (n = 305). Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Presence of DOR in relation to a patient's blood type. Result(s) Other investigators have reported an increased risk for DOR in patients with blood type O and a protective effect on ovarian reserve for blood type A. We observed no association between a woman's blood type and DOR. We found an increased risk for DOR in patients aged 35 and older. Obesity (BMI ≥30 vs. BMI Conclusion(s) In comparison with blood type A, blood type O is not associated with an increase in DOR. We found no clinical implications for using blood type as a risk factor for DOR.
EXPANDING DOMAIN LIMIT FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE FLUIDS IN THE PLANE

The general class of problems we consider is the following: Let Ω1 be a bounded domain in \({\mathbb{R}^d}\) for d ≥ 2 and let u0 be a velocity field on all of \({\mathbb{R}^d}\) . Suppose that for all R ≥ 1 we have an operator \({\mathcal{T}_R}\) that projects u0 restricted to RΩ1 (Ω1 scaled by R) into a function space on RΩ1 for which the solution to some initial value problem is well-posed with \({\mathcal{T}_{R}u^0}\) as the initial velocity. Can we show that as R → ∞ the solution to the initial value problem on RΩ1 converges to a solution in the whole space? We answer this question when d = 2 for weak solutions to the Navier-Stokes and Euler equations. For the Navier-Stokes equations we assume the lowest regularity of u0 for which one can obtain adequate control on the pressure. For the Euler equations we assume the lowest feasible regularity of u0 for which uniqueness of solutions to the Euler equations is known (thus, we allow “slightly unbounded” vorticity). In both cases, we obtain strong convergence of the velocity and the vorticity as R → ∞ and, for the Euler equations, the flow. Our approach yields, in principle, a bound on the rates of convergence.
Development of a non-LTE spectral post-processor for dense plasma simulations with application to spectroscopic diagnostics in spherical implosions at Nova

Abstract A new non-LTE spectroscopy post-processing packahe is described. The package processes dump files from 1 or 2-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code simulations. Given the grid motion, temperatures, and ion densities contained in the dump files, as well as data from an arbitrarily detailed atomic model, the post-processor calculates internally consistent detailed frequency dependent opacities and radiation fields. The radiation transport equation is solved in the Sn approximation using lambda iteration. Sub-cycling is used to achieve a more accurate solution to both the kinetics and radiation field calculations. Line broadening is included using Voigt widths based on the atomic rate coefficients, and Stark widths are included for K-shell spectra. The Sobolev escape factor approximation is available as an option. This post-processing package has been used to analyse spectra obtained recently at Nova with Ar doped deuterium filled capsules. The dopant was designed to be primarily a density diagnostic (via Stark broadening) but can also be used for temperature diagnosis as well. We have run this post-processor with a wide array of atomic models for argon, ranging from one containing only singly excited levels for the (important) hydrogenic, He-like, and Li-like sequences, to one containing a large number of doubly- and triply-excited levels in these sequences. We show a strong dependence of the degree of agreement between simulation and experiment on the model complexity with only the most complex mode in close agreement.
The Normative Mulattoes: The Press, Latinos, and the Racial Climate on the Moving Immigration Frontier:

Recent work on race and ethnicity has turned attention to the effects of growing populations that are neither black nor white on racial status hierarchies in the United States. A separate literature on new immigrants to the United States has succeeded in establishing the notion of a context of reception as a way of understanding the variable contextual cluster of factors that shapes the course of new immigrant assimilation. This article studies a problem that lies at the intersection of these two literatures. It proposes to expand the scope of conceptual models of immigrant contexts of reception to include the effects of regional media and the news on what I call the climate of new immigrant reception. The notion of a media climate of reception is used as an entree to the study of modes of symbolic incorporation of new immigrants, Latinos specifically, into the race-coded grid of normative distinctions that define contemporary racism. The analytic focus is on the way this symbolic incorporation occurs in ...
Exceptional molecular architectures via cycloadditions to pyrenequinones

Abstract The thermal reaction of phencyclone (2) with a 1:1 mixture of 1,8-pyrenequinone (4) and 1,6-pyrenequinone (5) yields 2:1 adducts only of compounds 2 and 4. The observed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 8 is formed via double Diels–Alder addition of 2 to 4, and the polycyclic ketone 9 arises from a combination of Diels–Alder and hetero-Diels–Alder reactions of 2 and 4. In contrast, Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions of 2, 4, and 5 give 2:1 adducts only of 2 and 5. The chief product, polycyclic diketone 10, is derived from a double hetero-Diels–Alder addition of 2 to 5. X-ray analysis of compound 8 shows it to be an exceptionally large polycyclic aromatic arch, and the X-ray structure of 10 reveals it to be a chiral molecular tweezer.
Symbolic dynamics of order-preserving orbits

Abstract The maps we consider are roughly those that can be obtained by truncating non-invertible maps to weakly monotonic maps (they have a flat piece). The binary sequences that correspond to order-preserving orbits are shown to satisfy a minimax principle (which was already known for order-preserving orbits with rational rotation number). The converse is also proven: all minimax orbits are order-preserving with respect to some rotation number. For certain families of such circle maps one can solve exactly for the parameter values for which the map has a specified rotation number rho. For rho rational we obtain the endpoints of the resonance intervals recursively. These parameter values can be organized in a natural way as the nodes of a Farey tree. We give some applications of the ideas discussed.
Effect of mode of application of papaverine on the contractile response of the internal mammary artery

A study was performed to investigate the duration of action of papaverine applied either intraluminally or in a combined intraluminal and extraluminal fashion in vitro, and how the reactivity of the internal mammary artery (IMA) to a range of vasoconstrictors is affected. Segments of IMA exposed to only intraluminal papaverine (10 -4 mol/l) for 15 min recovered their contractile response to 90 mmol/l potassium chloride to pretreatment levels within 2 h. In contrast, combined intraluminal and extraluminal administration of papaverine resulted in a significant depression of the contractile response to 90 mmol/l potassium chloride (P<0.001), which persisted for at least 5 h
AN M-H...H-C HYDROGEN BONDING INTERACTION

Abstract Study of several X-ray and neutron diffraction crystal structures of aryl phosphine hydride complexes shows that abnormally close CH…HM contacts (1.6–2.1 A) commonly occur between the arene CH bonds and the hydride. The data suggest that weak CH…HM hydrogen bonds are involved, resembling those we have previously characterized for the NH…HN case. Based on these results, a new mechanism is suggested for cyclometallation.
Changes in tonus during completed and interrupted mental work

Resume Dans le travail mental il s'agit d'une croissance initiale de la tension musculaire qui tend a decroitre comme le travail approache sa termination. On a fait des experiences avec dix sujets et des tâches utilisant (1) une operation unitaire continue, (2) une operation unitaire non continue et (3) plusieurs operations alternatives. D'autres experiences ont etudie l'effet de l'interruption sur les accompagnements de tonus du travail mental. On a donne vingt tâches (10 mentales et 10 mentales-musculaires) a 10 sujets. On a interrompu la moitie de ces tâches une minute apres leur commencement. Environ 98% des tâches interrompues ont ete ou continuees pendant l'interruption ou reprises en une minute apres le commencement de l'interruption. Une comparaison des changements de tonus pendant des periodes equivalentes de travail mental interrompu et non interrompu a montre un accroissement regulier et frappant de tension pendant les periodes d'interruption. Les resultats de cette etude forment la base du rai...
Spatial analysis of land use and shallow groundwater vulnerability in the watershed adjacent to Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia, USA

Spatial relations between land use and groundwater quality in the watershed adjacent to Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia, USA were analyzed by the use of two spatial models. One model used a logit analysis and the other was based on geostatistics. The models were developed and compared on the basis of existing concentrations of nitrate as nitrogen in samples from 529 domestic wells. The models were applied to produce spatial probability maps that show areas in the watershed where concentrations of nitrate in groundwater are likely to exceed a predetermined management threshold value. Maps of the watershed generated by logistic regression and probability kriging analysis showing where the probability of nitrate concentrations would exceed 3 mg/L (>0.50) compared favorably. Logistic regression was less dependent on the spatial distribution of sampled wells, and identified an additional high probability area within the watershed that was missed by probability kriging. The spatial probability maps could be used to determine the natural or anthropogenic factors that best explain the occurrence and distribution of elevated concentrations of nitrate (or other constituents) in shallow groundwater. This information can be used by local land-use planners, ecologists, and managers to protect water supplies and identify land-use planning solutions and monitoring programs in vulnerable areas.
Network Flow Simulation of Fluid Transients in Rocket Propulsion Systems

This paper presents a numerical study of fluid transients in a pipeline with the sudden opening of a valve. A network flow simulation software (Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program) based on the finite volume method has been used to predict the pressure surges in a pipeline that has entrapped air at one end of the pipe. The mathematical model is formulated by involving the flow equations in the liquid (water) zone and compressibility of the entrapped air. The numerical results are compared with the experimental data available in the literature. The study is conducted for a range of the reservoir pressure and for different amounts of initial air present in the pipeline. The numerical results compare well within reasonable accuracy (less than 8%) for a range of inlet-to-initial pressure ratios when the amount of air present is relatively high (α≈0.45). A fast Fourier transform is performed on the pressure oscillations to predict the various modal frequencies of the pressure wave.
Text Classification via iVector Based Feature Representation

In this paper, we address the problem of text classification: classifying modern machine-printed text, handwritten text and historical typewritten text from degraded noisy documents. We propose a novel text classification approach based on iVector, a newly developed concept in speaker verification. To a given text line, the iVector is a fixed-length feature vector representation, transformed from a high-dimensional super vector based on means of Gaussian mixture model (GMM), where the text dependent component is separated from a universal background model (UBM) and can be represented by a low dimensional set of factors. We classify the text lines with a discriminative classifier - support vector machine (SVM) in iVector space. A baseline approach of text classification using GMM in feature space is also presented for evaluation purpose. Experimental results on an Arabic document database show accuracy of 92.04% for text line classification using the proposed method. Furthermore, the relative word error rate (WER) of 9.6% is decreased in optical character recognition (OCR) when coupled with the proposed iVector-SVM classifier. The proposed iVector-SVM approach is language independent, thus, can be applied to other scripts as well.
THE CLOSE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACCELERATED RATES OF WHOLE BODY PROTEIN SYNTHESIS(S) AND BASAL METABOLIC RATE (BMR) IN CHILDREN WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (ALL)

Using a single dose [15N]-glycine technique in 15 newly diagnosed ALL patients, we confirmed our previous data which showed increased rates of S and whole body protein breakdown in comparison to healthy controls (independent of prior prednisone treatment; 8 so treated) (Cancer Res 43:5586). In 8 patients we assessed basal oxygen consumption (BMR; assume 4.83 kcal/1 O2); there was a significant linear regression between BMR (kcal/d) (Y) and S (g protein/d) (X): Y=3.7 X + 850 (R=0.925, p<0.001). Individual values (Y,X) for the 8 patients were: 835, 36; 1085, 87; 1252, 121; 1273, 134; 1614, 124; 1551, 179; 2087, 394; 2212, 308. Excluding the 2 highest values for Y and X, there was still a significant correlation (R=0.87, p<0.05), and there was a positive rank correlation for all 8 values (R=0.905, p<0.01). There were also significant positive correlations between BMR and body weight (Wt) (R=0.75, p<0.05) or age (R=0.83, p<0.05) and between S and Wt or age (both, R=0.86, p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMR was much more highly related to S than to Wt. These data suggest that increased energy costs of S account, at least in part, for increased energy requirements in patients with ALL. (Support: Nutrition Foundation, Inc.; Leukemia Soc. of America, Inc.; MACC Fund).
The 50-MeV Bevatron Injection Linac

The BNL 50-MeV injection linac has been installed as a new injector for the Bevatron. The preinjector, linac modifications, and beam transfer lines are described. The linac and modulator have been modified to permit longer pulse operation at a higher peak current. Most support equipment was already on hand and modified for use.
Second harmonic generation for in situ analysis of electrode surface structure

The nonlinear optical technique of second harmonic generation has been used as an in situ probe of surface structure and symmetry at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Rotational anisotropy in the second harmonic (SH) signal provides valuable information on the degree of structural order at the metal surface. For Ag(111), the observed patterns in the p- and s-polarized SH output agree with current theories and demonstrate that an ordered surface is present. These patterns change as the electrode is electrochemically roughened.
A Bilevel Decomposition Algorithm for Long-Range Planning of Process Networks

The solution of the multiperiod MILP model for long-range planning of process networks by Sahinidis et al. (Comput. Chem. Eng. 1989, 13, 1049) is addressed in this paper. The model determines the optimal selection and expansion of processes over a long-range planning horizon, incorporating multiple scenarios for varying forecasts for demands and prices of chemicals. A rigorous bilevel decomposition algorithm is proposed to reduce the computational cost in the multiperiod MILP model. The decomposition algorithm solves a master problem in the reduced space of binary variables to determine a selection of processes and an upper bound to the net present value. A planning model is then solved for the selected processes to determine the expansion policy and a lower bound to the objective function. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the performance of the algorithm and to compare it with a full-space branch and bound method.
Optical Probing of Magnetoelastic Waves

The use of an optical probe to observe magnetoelastic (ME) waves in yttrium iron garnet gives new information not obtainable by other methods. The interaction of the light with the elastic and magnetic parts of a transverse ME wave gives rise to some unusual polarization properties, which are explained by a simple theory of the diffraction. For the laser polarized parallel or perpendicular to the plane of diffraction, a relation is found between the laser polarization giving maximum diffracted intensity and the sign of the frequency shift of the diffracted light. For a frequency shift of given sign, the optimum laser polarization is reversed for waves on the quasielastic portions of the upper and lower branches of the ME dispersion curves. When the spin-wave component is larger (near the turning points in the bar), the optimum polarization is the same on both branches, contrary to the theory. This anomaly is probably due to the large amplitude of the ME signals used in the experiments.
Comment to "Chlorine stable isotopes and halogen concentrations in convergent margins with implications for the Cl isotopes cycle in the ocean" by Wei et al. A review of the Cl isotope composition of serpentinites and the global chlorine cycle

Abstract Wei et al. [Wei, W., Kastner, M., Spivack, A., 2008. Chlorine stable isotope and halogen concentrations in convergent margins with implications for the Cl isotopes cycle in the ocean. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 266, 90–104] published chlorine isotope data for pore fluids and serpentinites from three subduction zones and two obducted serpentinites. The measured δ37Cl values of serpentinites ranged from 1.2 to 6.0‰ (vs. SMOC), far higher than all other published data for serpentinites. The explanation for these high δ37Cl values defies known fractionation mechanisms. Instead, the anomalous δ37Cl values are almost certainly due to analytical artifacts known to exist for the method the authors employed. Wei et al. [Wei, W., Kastner, M., Spivack, A., 2008. Chlorine stable isotope and halogen concentrations in convergent margins with implications for the Cl isotopes cycle in the ocean. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 266, 90–104] concluded that if high δ37Cl serpentinites (∼ 6‰) were subducted into the mantle, then a change in the δ37Cl value of the crustal reservoir would be observed in the evaporite record over the last 200Ma. Because the Cl isotope composition of the crustal reservoirs has been constant over this time period, as constrained by evaporites, they argue that Cl in serpentinites is recycled back to the oceans. This argument is flawed for two reasons. First, the δ37Cl values of serpentinites is close to 0‰, not 6‰ as suggested in their paper. Second, the δ37Cl value of the crustal reservoir would change immeasurably over 200Ma even if serpentinites of 6‰ were subducted into the mantle. In fact, it has been shown that the crust, mantle and chondritic reservoir all have δ37Cl values close to 0‰ [Sharp, Z.D., Barnes, J.D., Brearley, A.J., Fischer, T.P., Chaussidon, M., Kamenetsky, V.S., 2007. Chlorine isotope homogeneity of the mantle, crust and carbonaceous chondrites. Nature 446, 1062–1065]. No secular variation in the δ37Cl value of the crust is expected, a conclusion that is supported by chlorine isotope data on sediments extending back over 3.5Ga [Sharp, Z.D., Barnes, J.D., Brearley, A.J., Fischer, T.P., Chaussidon, M., Kamenetsky, V.S., 2007. Chlorine isotope homogeneity of the mantle, crust and carbonaceous chondrites. Nature 446, 1062–1065].
Model-robust designs for split-plot experiments

Split-plot experiments are appropriate when some factors are more difficult and/or expensive to change than others. They require two levels of randomization resulting in a non-independent error structure. The design of such experiments has garnered much recent attention, including work on exact D-optimal split-plot designs. However, many of these procedures rely on the a priori assumption that the form of the regression function is known. We relax this assumption by allowing a set of model forms to be specified, and use a scaled product criterion along with an exchange algorithm to produce designs that account for all models in the set. We include also a generalization which allows weights to be assigned to each model, though they appear to have only a slight effect. We present two examples from the literature, and compare the scaled product designs with designs optimal for a single model. We also discuss a maximin alternative.
Glasslike elastic properties in the ω-β alloys

We have measured the internal friction and speed of sound in several polycrystalline alloys, using compound torsional oscillators at frequencies between 60 kHz and 100 kHz and temperatures between 50 mK and 100 K. By combining these data with existing elastic and thermal data on similar alloys, we find that those alloys which can undergo diffusionsless phase transitions, such as Ti:Nb, Ti:V, or Zr:Nb in certain ranges of composition have glasslike excitations, since they have elastic properties which agree in magnitude and temperature dependence with those of amorphous solids. By contrast. crystalline continuous solution alloys, such as Nb:Ta, or alloys with diffusive phase transitions, such as high-pressure quenched Al94Si6, have the same elastic properties as are known for crystals.
Evaluation of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department and consistency with a national quality measure: Quantifying the opportunity for improvement

Background The National Quality Forum (NQF) has endorsed a performance measure designed to increase imaging efficiency for the evaluation of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department (ED). To our knowledge, no published data have examined the effect of patient-level predictors on performance. Methods To quantify the prevalence of avoidable imaging in ED patients with suspected PE, we performed a prospective, multicenter observational study of ED patients evaluated for PE from 2004 through 2007 at 11 US EDs. Adult patients tested for PE were enrolled, with data collected in a standardized instrument. The primary outcome was the proportion of imaging that was potentially avoidable according to the NQF measure. Avoidable imaging was defined as imaging in a patient with low pretest probability for PE, who either did not have a D-dimer test ordered or who had a negative D-dimer test result. We performed subanalyses testing alternative pretest probability cutoffs and imaging definitions on measure performance as well as a secondary analysis to identify factors associated with inappropriate imaging. χ 2 Test was used for bivariate analysis of categorical variables and multivariable logistic regression for the secondary analysis. Results We enrolled 5940 patients, of whom 4113 (69%) had low pretest probability of PE. Imaging was performed in 2238 low-risk patients (38%), of whom 811 had no D-dimer testing, and 394 had negative D-dimer test results. Imaging was avoidable, according to the NQF measure, in 1205 patients (32%; 95% CI, 31%-34%). Avoidable imaging owing to not ordering a D-dimer test was associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.15 per decade; 95% CI, 1.10-1.21). Avoidable imaging owing to imaging after a negative D-dimer test result was associated with inactive malignant disease (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.11-2.49). Conclusions One-third of imaging performed for suspected PE may be categorized as avoidable. Improving adherence to established diagnostic protocols is likely to result in significantly fewer patients receiving unnecessary irradiation and substantial savings.
Determination of corticosterone in plasma by fluorometric techniques.

Four brief fluorometric methods for the determination of corticosterone were compared with a thoroughly validated extended fluorometric method which included chromatographic purification of the steroid, and were found to be grossly inaccurate when applied to avian adrenal plasma. Residual fluorescence caused by interfering fluorogens in avian adrenal plasma was detected and quantified by 5 different techniques: physiological, volume dependence, time dependence, chromatographic elimination and chromatographic isolation. Various ways of improving the accuracy of brief fluorometric methods including a correction factor which eliminated time dependence were examined experimentally and were shown to fail. The possibility that the presence of 2 or more types of interfering fluorogens confused the tests of the efficacy of correction factors was suggested. It was concluded that at present it is not possible to measure corticosterone accurately in avian plasma by brief fluorometric methods, and there is a need for...
Narrow bandwidth polarisation scrambler using delay-coupled binary phase pulse for super-dense WDM networks

A novel polarisation scrambler that offers narrow spectrum bandwidth due to the use of delayed binary phase pulses coupled with orthogonal polarisation is proposed. The performance of the proposed scrambler is confirmed analytically and experimentally for carrier-distributed super-dense WDM (SD-WDM) networks without network clock synchronisation.
Effect of neutral sheet currents on the shape and magnetic field of the magnetosphere tail

Modified first order theory of magnetosphere boundary shape incorporating effects of neutral sheet currents of extended geomagnetic tail
A Lyness equation for graphs

The Lyness equation, , can be thought of as an equation defined on the 2-regular tree : we think of each vertex of as a variable so that if x and z are the vertices adjacent to y, then satisfy . We write We generalize to the 3-regular tree T: we consider equations of the form and where . In the special case where an auxiliary condition also holds for some φ, then the solution is determined by (any) two values and, in some cases, an invariant can be found.
BIODEGRADATION PROCESS ANALYSIS BY ULTRAFILTRATION

Detailed analysis of biological processes for hazardous waste-water treatment presents extreme difficulty. Complexity of organic and inorganic solute mixtures in solution prohibits GC-MS analysis. Gross parameters must be used to monitor treatment process performance. Ultrafiltration, coupled with gross parameter estimation, provides enhanced definition of treatment. Results, employed to monitor in-situ biodegradation of a hazardous landfill leachate, are discussed.
Effects of residual aberrations on line-end shortening in 193-nm lithography

This paper extends and further validates the methodology for calibrating 193nm chemically amplified resist models and applying the models to line-end shortening simulation in the presence of image imperfections. SPLAT, an imaging simulator, is used to simulate the light intensity at the bottom of resist film and predict the resulted wafer patterns in the presence of lens aberrations. The mask critical dimensions (CD) were measured to exclude the mask CD error effects. The experiments were conducted at Texas Instruments on a 193nm scanner. The mask CD errors proved a major contribution to isolated-dense line CD bias on the wafer. The lens aberrations were shown to be critical to the choice of optimal imaging location and the through-focus CD variation. By finding the optimal image location and threshold photoacid concentration, this model can predict line CD through focus, pitch and feature size, with a RMS error of 5nm. However, this model is not adequate in predicting the narrow space between line ends due to the poor resist response in very low contrast areas. A variable threshold model based on trajectory dissolution rate assumption is proposed to predict the wafer CD in low contrast areas, which resulted in a RMS error of 24nm. Considering the large SEM measurement noise on 193nm resists, this error is reasonable and sufficient for OPC applications.
Inequality, Reciprocity, and Credit in Social Networks

While informal insurance and social networks are important in all societies, networks are critical in rural areas of developing countries. Townsend (1994) was one of the first to document the importance of risk-sharing within villages. More recently, theorists have begun to model sharing as taking place within a network, rather than within the village as a whole (Bramoulle and Kranton 2007; Bloch, Genicot, and Ray 2008; Ambrus, Mobius, and Szeidl 2010). Empirical studies have also shown the importance of risk-sharing within social networks (Rosenzweig 1988; Udry 1994; De Weerdt and Dercon 2006). Given this local nature of risksharing within networks, it is important to analyze who forms links with whom and the types of relationships formed. The effects of development policies will depend on the operation of social networks and the features that cause individuals to form links. Research on the determinants of risk-sharing links has found contradictory results. Experimental studies, such as Attanasio et al. (2009), find that risk-sharing groups are assortative on consumption. Survey-based evidence, such as De Weerdt (2004) and Fafchamps and Gubert (2007), find Laura Schechter is an assistant professor of Economics at Michigan State University. Alex Yuskavage is a financial economist in the Office of Tax Analysis at the U.S. Treasury. Schechter thanks the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, and the Delta Foundation for funding. We are grateful to Idelin Molinas and Instituto Desarrollo for their support in Paraguay. Jennifer Alix-Garcia, Joachim De Weerdt, Garance Genicot, Paul Niehaus, Mark Rosenzweig, and Guanming Shi gave helpful comments.
Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury in Older Adults With Critical Illness: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) in older adults has not been evaluated systematically. We sought to delineate the determinants of risk for AKI in older compared with younger adults. Study Design Retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized in July 2000 to September 2008. Setting & Participants We identified all adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit (n=45,655) in a large tertiary-care university hospital system. We excluded patients receiving dialysis or a kidney transplant prior to hospital admission and patients with baseline creatinine levels ≥ 4mg/dL, liver transplantation, indeterminate AKI status, or unknown age, leaving 39,938 patients. Predictor We collected data for multiple susceptibilities and exposures, including age, sex, race, body mass, comorbid conditions, severity of illness, baseline kidney function, sepsis, and shock. Outcomes We defined AKI according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria. We examined susceptibilities and exposures across age strata for impact on the development of AKI. Measurements We calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for prediction of AKI across age groups. Results 25,230 (63.2%) patients were 55 years or older. Overall, 25,120 (62.9%) patients developed AKI (69.2% aged ≥55 years). Examples of risk factors for AKI in the oldest age category (≥75 years) were drugs (vancomycin, aminoglycosides, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories), history of hypertension (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.25), and sepsis (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.68-2.67). Fewer variables remained predictive of AKI as age increased and the model for older patients was less predictive ( P Limitations Analysis may not apply to non–intensive care unit patients. Conclusions The likelihood of developing AKI increases with age; however, the same variables are less predictive for AKI as age increases. Efforts to quantify risk for AKI may be more difficult in older adults.
Scientific Publication in Emergency Medicine: Imprint on the Future

Intensified research efforts in emergency medicine have resulted in a unique body of knowledge based on investigations involving emergency patients and conducted by emergency medicine researchers. The success and effectiveness of emergency medicine publications in the future rely on adherence to rigorous standards for peer review and editorial evaluation, introduction of value-added innovations, creative applications for electronic publication of scientific materials, and an unyielding commitment to quality and integrity.
Structure of Li,Na metaphosphate glasses by 31P and 23Na MAS-NMR correlated with the mixed alkali effect

31 P and 23 Na NMR spectra for glasses along the Li,Na metaphosphate join have been obtained by MAS-NMR spectroscopy. The 31 P results are interpreted in terms of phosphate Q 2 (two bridging oxygens) tetrahedra. The 31 P chemical shifts become less shielded (less negative) with increasing [Na]/[Na + Li] ratio. This observation is rationalized in terms of increased paramagnetic deshielding due to increased average electron density in the P O bonds with increasing [Na]/[Na + Li] ratio. The 23 Na peak maxima also become deshielded with increased [Na]/[Na + Li], suggesting the effects of Li (non-bridging oxygen) Na linkages. Both 31 P and 23 Na peaks have greater full-widths at half-height (FWHH) for the intermediate (mixed Li,Na) compositions compared with the Li or Na end-member, reflecting a greater distribution of P and Na sites due to the presence of both Li and Na. The glass transition temperatures have a minimum at [Na]/[Na + Li] = 0.6, thus showing a mixed alkali effect, previously explained by mixed alkali pairs (Li NBO Na) detected by the NMR experiments.
Consensus-based estimation protocol for decentralized dynamic load balancing over partially connected networks

A novel consensus-based protocol is developed for estimating the load information at nodes in a distributed computing system operating over a partially connected communication network. The challenge in such estimation process arises from the existence of tangible delays in the exchange of information, and the fact that loads are dynamic since nodes continue to execute their loads while the estimation process is ongoing. The protocol utilizes the concept of trust weight that each node has about any other node, based on the number of hops in between, to periodically form an updated estimate of the loads of the other nodes. The probability of consensus at any given time as well as the probability density function of the time to the first consensus are analytically characterized and used to determine the best instant for executing a dynamic load balancing (DLB) action. Detailed Monte-Carlo simulations of the average completion time of a workload by a distributed system under different system configurations are presented and discussed. The results suggest a range of time for executing the DLB over which satisfactory average completion time is achieved. The results also provide insight on the effects of network connectivity and the frequency of communication on the DLB performance.
Time and Momentum Exchange for Production and Collection of Intense Antiproton Beams at Fermilab

Antiprotons for the Fermilab p?p colliding beam project are accumulated by rf stacking of successive 8 GeV antiproton batches in a storage ring using stochastic cooling to reduce both transverse and longitudinal emittance. The rate of accumulation is increased 15-fold by interchange of bunch length and momentum spread of the antiproton bunches in a special purpose debuncher ring. Tightly bunched antiprotons are produced at the target by 120 GeV protons from the Main Ring. From 2.5×1012 protons every 2 seconds the debuncher receives 7×107 antiprotons within a momentum bite ?p/p=3%. These antiprotons are injected into mismatched stationary rf buckets in the debuncher so that synchrotron oscillation produces bunch rotation. After 90° of rotation followed by adiabatic debunching, the narrow time spread has been converted into a momentum spread ?p/p=.2%. We describe the rf technique used to shorten the bunches of the primary proton beam in the Main Ring and report test results. We describe the complementary procedures to be used in the Debuncher and demonstrate the expected reduction of the momentum spread by particle tracking simulation.
Two- and four-pulse ESEEM studies of the heme binding center of a low-spin ferriheme protein: the importance of a multi-frequency approach

Abstract The histamine complex of nitrophorin 1 (NP1–Hm) was studied by ESEEM at X- and S-bands. The proton sum combination feature in the X-band ESEEM spectra was well resolved at the low-field g -value ( g Z ), but unresolved at the high-field g -value ( g X ). Decreasing the microwave frequency down to S-band allowed us to obtain well-resolved ESEEM spectra at the g X position and to determine the orientation of g X to be 60°–90° with respect to the plane of the axial ligands.
Should the levothyroxine starting dose be tailored to disease severity in neonates with congenital hypothyroidism

Should the levothyroxine starting dose be tailored to disease severity in neonates with congenital hypothyroidism?
TNFα-stimulation of cfos-activation of neurons in the solitary nucleus is suppressed by TNFR:Fc adsorbant construct in the dorsal vagal complex

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF(alpha)) may act within the neural circuitry of the medullary dorsal vagal complex (DVC) to affect changes in gastric function such as gastric stasis, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The definitive demonstration that endogenously generated TNF(alpha) is acting within the DVC circuitry to affect these changes has been impeded by the lack of an antagonist for TNF(alpha). The present studies used localized central nervous system microinjections of the TNF-adsorbant construct (TNFR:Fc) to specifically neutralize the ability of endogenously produced TNF(alpha) to activate NST neurons. Our studies reveal that TNFR:Fc suppresses induction of cFos normally evoked by TNF(alpha). These results validate our hypothesis that circulating TNF(alpha) may act directly within the DVC to affect gastric function in a variety of pathophysiological states.
International scientific data, standards, & digital libraries

This workshop explores the various models used successfully to develop internationals standards for languages and tools, as well as scientific & technical information for use of data on the emerging Semantic Web. The advantages and disadvantages of the models will be highlighted in a manner that allows emerging standards to benefit from existing experience.
Effect of heat-treatment on stress relaxation behavior of plasma-sprayed 7 wt.% Y2O3–ZrO2 stand-alone coatings

Abstract The present work studied the effect of heat-treatment temperature (1000 °C and 1200 °C) and time (10, 50, and 100 h) on the compressive stress relaxation behavior of plasma-sprayed stand-alone 7 wt.% Y 2 O 3 –ZrO 2 (YSZ) coatings at test temperatures of 1000 °C, 1100 °C, and 1200 °C, from stresses of 60 and 20 MPa. As-sprayed coatings were also stress relaxed in the baseline condition at room and elevated temperatures. All coatings demonstrated a two-stage relaxation behavior: fast relaxation (stage I) in the first 10 min and much slower relaxation in the final 170 min of the test (stage II). Stage I relaxation, as measured by percentage of the original stress relaxed, accounts for at least 50% of the total stress relaxed despite occurring in only 5–10 min and was attributed to lamella sliding and compaction, and permanent intralamellar crack closure (for tests conducted at higher temperatures). Stage II relaxation behavior is dominated by diffusion creep mechanisms, where prior densification at 1200 °C resulted in reduced relaxation rates compared to coatings heat treated at 1000 °C and in the as-sprayed condition. The 1200 °C test temperature greatly influenced the percentage of relaxation in the coating, more so than the prior coating heat-treatment conditions.
Identification of transcription start sites and preferential expression of select CB2 transcripts in mouse and human B lymphocytes.

Marijuana cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid cell receptors have been shown to play important roles in immune regulation particularly as potent modulators of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The predominant cannabinoid receptor involved in this immune regulation is cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which is predominantly expressed in B lymphocytes. However, the promoter region and mechanisms of CB2 gene regulation are unknown in this immune cell type. Utilizing a combination of bioinformatics, 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′ RACE), real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and luciferase reporter assays, we show that human B cells express one CB2 transcript while mouse B cells express three CB2 transcripts, with specific transcript selection occurring during B cell activation by lipopolysaccharide. Alignment of our sequenced RACE products to either the mouse or human genome, along with the GenBank submitted mRNA sequences, revealed that the transcripts we isolated contained previously unidentified transcriptional start sites (TSS). In addition, expression construct testing of the genomic region containing the TSSs of the mouse CB2 exon 1 transcripts showed an eightfold increase of promoter activity over baseline. These data show for the first time that human B cells use only one TSS for CB2 while mouse B cells use multiple TSSs and that the mouse TSSs are in a genomic area with promoter activity, thus suggesting the location of the gene promoter region. Defining these TSSs also provides clues to the various gene regulatory factors involved in the expression of CB2 during B cell activation.