cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synaptic density correlated with maze performance in young and aged rats. A preliminary study

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of age both on maze performance and upon morphological changes in the brain. Young and senescent rats were differentiated into three groups by use of a complex 14-unit maze: young maze-bright rats, old maze-bright animals and old maze-dull rats. Layer III of the frontal and the occipital cortices of these animals was studied, employing co ded electron micrographs, to determine the average number of synaptic profiles per area of thin section. It was observed that the young maze-bright rats had the highest synapse density, the old maze-bright rats had 85% of that amount while the old maze-dull animals had a density that was 54% that of the young animals.
Critical dynamics near the oscillatory instability in Rayleigh-Benard convection

The oscillatory temperature amplitude of a low--Prandtl-number fluid in Rayleigh-Benard convection is shown to exhibit critical slowing down near the onset of oscillatory convection. The data are analyzed in the context of a mean-field Landau-Hopf equation. We find the magnitude of the power-law exponent for the dynamic relaxation to be 1.01 +- 0.02 and 1.00 +- 0.02 above and below onset, respectively, in agreement with the theoretical predictions.
In vitro measurement of strain in the bone cement surrounding the femoral component of total hip replacements during simulated gait and stair-climbing

The strains in the cement mantle surrounding the cemented femoral component of a total hip replacement were measured in vitro, using strain gauges embedded within the cement mantle adjacent to the femoral component in femurs from cadavers under physiologic loads simulating both single-limb stance and stair-climbing. Cement strains in the most proximal portion of the cement mantle were measured with and without full contact of the collar of the femoral stem on the cortex of the medial portion of the femoral neck during both loading conditions. To our knowledge, these are the first studies to contrast by direct measurement the strain profile in the cement mantle of a cemented femoral component under simulated stair-climbing with that occurring under simulated single-limb stance. They extend the findings from finite element analyses and from clinical specimens retrieved at autopsy in identifying those regions of the cement mantle most likely to fail. At two specific foci, the magnitude of the strain in the cement mantle approaches values that could lead to early fatigue failure of the cement. The two regions in which the strains were highest (greater than 1,000 microstrain) were the most proximal portions of the cement mantle and near the tip of the femoral component. Although these two regions are recognized areas of high strain and also common sites of cement debonding and cement mantle failure, the strain-gauge studies showed that the magnitude of cement strains in the proximal portion of the cement mantle were highest during stair-climbing; in contrast, high strains at the tip region occurred in both gait and stair-climbing. Contact between the collar and the medial portion of the femoral neck reduced the strain in the proximal portion of the cement mantle not only in single-limb stance but in stair-climbing as well. The level of strain recorded in these studies for a simulated person weighing 115 pounds (52 kg) could lead to cement fracture during extended in vivo service life of a cemented femoral component, from either single-limb stance or stair-climbing. This risk would be increased if a void or defect existed in the cement mantle at these sites. Moreover, the increase in strain in the cement mantle was linear with increases in body weight between 100 and 200 pounds (45 and 91 kg) of spinal load, indicating that strains in a heavy patient could readily exceed the fatigue limit of the cement, particularly if a stress riser such as a pore in the cement or a sharp corner of the prosthesis were present. These data reemphasize the need to continue efforts to develop methods to strengthen bone cement and to reduce those factors that increase the strain in the cement mantle of cemented femoral components of total hip arthroplasty, particularly proximally and near the tip.
Pinhole plate diagnostic for neutral particle beam accelerator

Abstract An unusual method of forming a foil with highly accurate hole placements and overlayed stripper/neutralizer foil allows accurate beam divergence and density diagnostics when used in conjunction with a downstream fluorescent screen and high resolution photography.
Behavioral inhibition in mice bred for high vs. low levels of methamphetamine consumption or sensitization

Rationale Research indicates that genetics influence methamphetamine self-administration as well as sensitization to the psychomotor-stimulating effects of methamphetamine (MA). Other studies have suggested that heightened levels of impulsivity, including low levels of behavioral inhibition, are associated with the use of drugs, including MA. Objectives The current study examined whether lines of mice selected for traits associated with a heightened risk of developing MA dependence would also exhibit low levels of drug-naive inhibition and whether administration of MA would result in different levels of inhibition in animals selected to consume or respond more to MA. Methods A go/no-go task was used to assess inhibition in male and female mice selected for low or high levels of MA consumption or selected for high or low levels of locomotor sensitization to repeated injections of MA. Results Mice selected for MA sensitization differed in false alarms, precue response rates (measures of behavioral inhibition), and also hits (measure of operant responding). Mice selected for MA consumption did not differ in measures of behavioral inhibition, though hits differed. When MA was administered prior to the task, false alarms, precue response rates, and hits decreased for mice from all selected lines. Female high drinking mice were particularly resistant to MA’s effects on hits, but not precue response rate or false alarms. Conclusions These data suggest a shared, but complex, genetic association between inhibition processes, general levels of operant responding, and MA sensitization or consumption.
Some set-theory, Stone–Čech, and F-spaces

Abstract In 1955, Mel published An isomorphism theorem for real-closed fields in Annals of Mathematics with Erdos and Gillman. This was a paper with a consistency result about ultrapowers of the reals. Some of these can be seen as results about subspaces of the Stone–Cech remainder of the reals. In 1956, he published Some remarks about elementary divisor rings and Rings of continuous functions in which every finitely generated ideal is principal with Gillman, both in the Transactions of the American Mathematical Society, introducing the notion of an F -space and showing that the Stone–Cech remainder of the reals is an F -space. In 1994, Henriksen et al. published Lattice-ordered algebras that are subdirect products of valuation domains in the Transactions of the American Mathematical Society, in which an unexpected connection to F -spaces was uncovered. These few, of Mel Henriksenʼs many many papers, are special highlights for this author because of their prominent role in my own research.
Infrared Spectra of Methylidynes Formed in Reactions of Re Atoms with Methane, Methyl Halides, Methylene Halides, and Ethane : Methylidyne C-H Stretching Absorptions, Bond Lengths, and s Character

Rhenium carbyne complexes (HC≡ReH3, HC≡ReH2X, HC≡ReHX2, [X = F, Cl, and Br] and CH3C≡ReH3) are produced by reactions of laser-ablated Re atoms with methane, methyl halides, methylene halides, and e...
Evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus on long-term warfarin anticoagulation therapy.

Objective Long-term anticoagulation is often considered a contraindication to shunt surgery for elderly patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, no studies have investigated this question. Methods We evaluated 25 patients who were taking warfarin for NPH between 2001 and 2004 with a protocol of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure monitoring and controlled CSF drainage via spinal catheter. Warfarin was stopped 5 to 7 days before lumbar puncture or shunt surgery and restarted 3 to 5 days after operation or at the time of discharge from the hospital. Programmable shunts with antisiphon devices set at the high-pressure range were preferentially used and adjusted in small increments. Results After CSF drainage, 16 patients showed improvement and 15 underwent shunt surgery. Thirteen (87%) out of these 15 patients showed significant improvement in at least one symptom during a mean follow-up period of 8.2 months (range, 1-70 mo) after shunt surgery. There were two bleeding complications. One patient (6.7%) with cirrhosis who developed a subdural hematoma 13 days after operation had the shunt removed; another patient who developed an abdominal subcutaneous hematoma 5 days after operation required surgical evacuation and shunt revision surgery. Otherwise, 14 (93.3%) out of the 15 patients had no subdural hematoma during the follow-up period and there were no thromboembolic complications while the patients were not taking warfarin. Conclusion Elderly patients on long-term warfarin anticoagulation can be safely evaluated and treated for NPH using a protocol of continuous CSF drainage via spinal catheter for diagnosis, cautious periprocedural management of anticoagulation, and use of programmable shunts with antisiphon devices. The risk of subdural hematoma is not higher than reported series. Long-term anticoagulation with warfarin is not a contraindication per se for shunt surgery in NPH.
Promoting participation in physical activity using framed messages: An application of prospect theory

Objectives. Messages designed to motivate participation in physical activity usually emphasize the benefits of physical activity (gain-framed) as well as the costs of inactivity (loss-framed). The framing implications of prospect theory suggest that the effectiveness of these messages could be enhanced by providing gain-framed information only. We compared the effectiveness of gain-, loss-, and mixed-framed messages for promoting moderate to vigorous physical activity. Design. Randomized trial. Method. Sedentary, healthy callers to the US National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (N ¼ 322) received gain-, loss-, or mixed-framed messages on three occasions (baseline, Week 1, and Week 5). Social cognitive variables and self-reported physical activity were assessed at baseline, Week 2, and Week 9. Separate regression analyses were conducted to examine message effects at each assessment point. Results. At Week 2, gain- and mixed-framed messages resulted in stronger intentions and greater self-efficacy than loss-framed messages. At Week 9, gain-framed messages resulted in greater physical activity participation than loss- or mixed-framed messages. Social cognitive variables at Week 2 did not mediate the Week 9 framing effects on physical activity participation. Conclusions. Using gain-framed messages exclusively may be a means of increasing the efficacy of physical activity materials.
Oxidative stress and autophagy in the regulation of lysosome-dependent neuron death.

Lysosomes critically regulate the pH-dependent catabolism of extracellular and intracellular macromolecules delivered from the endocytic/heterophagy and autophagy pathways, respectively. The importance of lysosomes to cell survival is underscored not only by their unique ability effectively to degrade metalloproteins and oxidatively damaged macromolecules, but also by the distinct potential for induction of both caspase-dependent and -independent cell death with a compromise in the integrity of lysosome function. Oxidative stress and free radical damage play a principal role in cell death induced by lysosome dysfunction and may be linked to several upstream and downstream stimuli, including alterations in the autophagy degradation pathway, inhibition of lysosome enzyme function, and lysosome membrane damage. Neurons are sensitive to lysosome dysfunction, and the contribution of oxidative stress and free radical damage to lysosome dysfunction may contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. This review provides a broad overview of lysosome function and explores the contribution of oxidative stress and autophagy to lysosome dysfunction–induced neuron death. Putative signaling pathways that either induce lysosome dysfunction or result from lysosome dysfunction or both, and the role of oxidative stress, free radical damage, and lysosome dysfunction in pediatric lysosomal storage disorders (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses or NCL/Batten disease) and in Alzheimer's disease are emphasized. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 11, 481–496.
Vaginal hypersensitivity and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction as a result of neonatal maternal separation in female mice

Abstract Early life stress can permanently alter functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the stress response and influences the perception of pain. Chronic pelvic pain patients commonly report having experienced childhood neglect or abuse, which increases the likelihood of presenting with comorbid chronic pain and/or mood disorders. Animal models of neonatal stress commonly display enhanced anxiety-like behaviors, colorectal hypersensitivity, and disruption of proper neuro-immune interactions in adulthood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that early life stress impacts vaginal sensitivity by exposing mice to neonatal maternal separation (NMS) for 3 h/day during the first two (NMS14) or three (NMS21) postnatal weeks. As adults, female mice underwent vaginal balloon distension (VBD), which was also considered an acute stress. Before or after VBD, mice were assessed for anxiety-like behavior, hindpaw sensitivity, and changes in gene and protein expression related to HPA axis function and regulation. NMS21 mice displayed significantly increased vaginal sensitivity compared to naive mice, as well as significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior at baseline, which was heightened following VBD. NMS21 mice exhibited significant thermal and mechanical hindpaw hypersensitivity at baseline and following VBD. NMS14 mice displayed no change in anxiety-like behavior and only exhibited significantly increased hindpaw mechanical and thermal sensitivity following VBD. Centrally, a significant decrease in negative regulation of the HPA axis was observed in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of NMS21 mice. Peripherally, NMS and VBD affected the expression of inflammatory mediators in the vagina and bladder. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel protein expression was also significantly, and differentially, affected in vagina, bladder, and colon by both NMS and VBD. Together these data indicate that NMS affects both central and peripheral aspects of the HPA axis, which may drive changes in vaginal sensitivity and the development of comorbid chronic pain and mood disorders.
Purification of Competent Cells in the Bacillus subtilis Transformation System

Transformed cells have been separated from nontransformed cells by centrifugation on a density gradient of Renografin-76. Separation was achieved both on a linear gradient and on a discontinuous gradient. Under optimal conditions, all of the cells in one band (median density, 1.110 g/ml) were transformants, whereas virtually all cells in the other (median density, 1.131) were nontransformants. In some instances, recentrifugation of the transformant band further enriched the transformant population. The transformed population can also be enriched by zonal centrifugation in a linear gradient of Ficoll. However, this technique is far less efficient than centrifugation in Renografin-76. Since the density of competent cells is identical to that of transformants, we conclude that the low density is a property of competent cells. The significance of this low density to the physiology of competent cells is discussed. Images
Genetic analysis of feline caliciviruses associated with a hemorrhagic-like disease.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is 1 of the most common causes of upper respiratory tract disease in cats. Other disease syndromes associated with FCV infection have been reported. Recently, calicivirus infection associated with a hemorrhagic-like disease leading to significant mortality in cats has been reported. The clinical signs are similar to those observed with the calicivirus of rabbit hemorrhagic disease. This study characterized 2 FCV isolates associated with hemorrhagic-like disease. Nucleotide sequencing of the complete genome has been done for these 2 isolates as well as for 4 additional isolates representing other disease syndromes. Pre- viously reported sequence data for the entire genome of classical FCV (6 isolates) and a portion of the capsid gene for hemorrhagic-like FCV (3 isolates), isolated in different regions of United States were used in the genetic analysis. Sequence data were used to determine relationships among the isolates and any correlation with phenotype. Nucleotide sequence comparisons of the entire genome and individual open reading frames revealed high homology among all isolates. Data suggest that the virulence may have genetic determinants on the basis of phylogenetic clustering of the isolates associated with hemorrhagic-like disease.
Collective Motion of Surfactant-Producing Bacteria Imparts Superdiffusivity to Their Upper Surface

Swarming bacteria move on agar surfaces in groups, using flagella as motive organelles. Motility depends critically on surface wetness, which is enabled by osmotic agents and surfactants secreted by the bacteria. In a recent study, the upper surface of an Escherichia coli swarm was found to be stationary, as determined from the motion of MgO particles deposited on the swarm. This led to the remarkable conclusion that the bacteria move between two stationary surfaces—the agar gel below and the liquid/air interface above. That study suggested that secreted surfactants may contribute to immobilizing the upper surface of a swarm. Here, we test this proposition using two robust surfactant-producing bacteria. We find antithetically that the upper surfaces of both these swarms are mobile, showing a superdiffusive behavior in swarms with stronger surfactant activity. Superdiffusive behavior was not observed on the surface of a drop of bacterial culture, on bacteria-free culture supernatant, or on nonswarming surfactant-producer colonies, which suggests that superdiffusion is an emergent property resulting from the interaction of the collective motion of the bacteria within the swarm with the surfactant layer above. Swarming not only allows bacteria to forage for food, but also confers protective advantages against antimicrobial agents. Our results are therefore relevant to superdiffusive strategies in biological foraging and survival.
Opportunistic power scheduling for multi-server wireless systems with minimum performance constraints

We present and power scheduling scheme, i.e., a joint time-slot and power allocation method for wireless cellular systems. We allow multiple transmissions in a time-slot that can interfere with each other. Hence, it is important to not only select the mobiles to he scheduled in a time-slot, hut also important to allocate an appropriate power level for transmission to these scheduled mobiles in order to achieve high system performance and quality of service. We model the time-varying wireless channel as a stochastic process and formulate a stochastic programming problem that attempts to maximize the expected total system utility, with constraints on the minimum expected utility for each mobile. The power scheduling algorithm is obtained by using stochastic duality and implemented via stochastic subgradient techniques.
Meat consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: the Multiethnic Cohort.

Objective To examine the association of meat consumption with diabetes risk in the Hawaii component of the Multiethnic Cohort and to assess effect modification by ethnicity. Design A prospective cohort study. Baseline information on diet and lifestyle was assessed by questionnaire. The cohort was followed up for incident cases of diabetes, which were identified through self-reports, medication questionnaires, or health plan linkages. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for diabetes associated with quintile of meat consumption. Setting Hawaii, USA. Subjects A total of 29,759 Caucasian, 35,244 Japanese-American and 10,509 Native Hawaiian men and women, aged 45-75 years at baseline. Results During a mean follow-up time of 14 years, 8587 incident diabetes cases were identified. Intake of red meat was positively associated with diabetes risk in men (fifth v. first quintile: HR=1.43; 95% CI 1.29, 1.59) and women (fifth v. first quintile: HR=1.30; 95% CI 1.17, 1.45) in adjusted models. The respective HR for processed red meat intake were 1.57 (95% CI 1.42, 1.75) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.30, 1.62). The association for processed poultry was weaker than for processed red meat, and fresh poultry intake was not associated with diabetes risk. For men only, we observed significant interactions of ethnicity with the red and processed red meat associations, with Caucasians experiencing slightly higher risks than Japanese-Americans. Conclusions Our findings support the growing evidence that red and processed meat intake increase risk for diabetes irrespective of ethnicity and level of BMI.
Effects of temperature on the swimming of salps (Tunicata, Thaliacea): Implications for vertical migration1

Salps swim by means of rhythmic contractions of the circular body muscles. In most species, these contractions are regular. At constant temperature, the pulsation rate is inversely related to body length for hand-collected animals. Such a relationship is not seen with trawl-collected salps. When temperature is lowered experimentally, marked differences are seen in the response of individual species. The pulsation rates of Pegeu confederutu, CycZosuZpu poke, and Salpa cylindricu are greatly depressed and cease altogether at low temperatures (response type I). For Pegea so&, CycZosuZpu pinnutu, Cyclosalpu affinis, and SuZpu maxima, the pulsation rates are usually greatly depressed, but do not cease, even at extremely low temperatures (response type II). The pulsation rates of Salpa fusiformis and Salpa usperu are largely insensitive to changes in temperature (response type III). Evidence from net sampling suggests a relationship between these response types and vertical and horizontal distribution patterns. Salps showing response type I are found only in tropical and subtropical surface waters; those showing response type II are more widely distributed or are found in temperate waters; and those showing response type III are vertical migrators. Thus, differences in the temperature response provide clues as to the differing modes of life available to salps in the open sea.
Child Safety Seats Work

Scientific Inquiry provides a forum to facilitate the ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice, presents informed practice based on available data, and innovates new practices through research and experimental learning.
Coupled Multidisciplinary Optimization of Engine Structural Performance

Effective computational simulation procedures are described for modeling the inherent multidisciplinary interactions that govern the accurate response of propulsion structural systems. Results are presented for propulsion system structural responses including multidisciplinary coupling effects using 1) coupled multidiscipline thermal/structural/acoustic tailoring, 2) an integrated system of multidisciplinary simulators, 3) coupled material-behavior/fabrication process tailoring, 4) sensitivities using a probabilistic simulator, 5) a coupled materials/structures/fracture/probabilistic behavior simulator, and 6) engine structure technology benefit estimators. The results demonstrate that superior designs can be achieved if the analysis/tailoring methods account for the multidisciplinary coupling effects.
The Ethnographic, the Reflective, and the Uncanny Three “Tellings” of Autobiography

Adult learners who write their life story embark on a process of personal self-reflection and meaning making. Some of their narratives center and remain on the detailing of life events. Other writing goes further, associating feelings and emotions that lead to additional exploration and reflection. Other writing goes still further, uncovering experiences and emotional states, previously unspoken, perhaps even incomprehensible. Each has its benefit for the writer and for the reader, but it appears that when writers move into the reflective mode, and even further into exploring the “uncanny” aspects of their life, the major benefits of autobiographical writing surface as a profound, even transformative, learning experience. In this article, the author examines selected autobiographies written by adult learners in adult and higher education studies and considers the significance of each of these “tellings” in promoting student growth and development.
Effect of conductivity and dielectric constant on the modulation voltage for nonlinear optic polymer based opto-electronic devices

Presented is the effect of using various cladding materials with different conductivities and dielectric constants on the applied voltage for optoelectronic (OE) devices based on nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers. Using a conductive polymer, we have demonstrated a 3 to 13 times increase in the effective electro-optic (EO) coefficient of electrode- poled NLO polymers, compared to using passive polymer claddings. We have achieved the lowest poling voltage to date for maximum EO coefficient, 300 V, for a two-layer waveguide structure consisting of a 2-?m- thick NLO polymer layer and a 2-?m-thick conductive cladding layer. The dielectric constants of both the NLO polymer core and passive polymer cladding materials used for conventional polymer-based integrated optic devices are typically very similar in magnitude. This suggests that only a small fraction of the applied modulation voltage is reaching the NLO polymer core layer, requiring 4 to 5 times higher modulation voltage than the desired V?. We have demonstrated a factor-of-2 decrease in the modulation voltage using the same conductive polymer, due to its possessing a much higher dielectric constant than the core material at the modulation frequency tested. The results show promise for shorter, lower-operating-voltage devices.
Biopolitics via political psychology. Comment in response to Liesen and Walsh.

I n ‘‘The competing meanings of ‘biopolitics’ in political science: Biological and postmodern approaches to politics,’’ Laurette Liesen and Mary Walsh argue that two very distinct groups of political scientists have organized their work around the term ‘‘biopolitics.’’ The authors suggest that these areas of research are not only qualitatively different, but also potentially contradictory. I agree that the distinction between the camps is a meaningful one. But since the current more ‘‘scientific’’ scholars focusing on biological approaches to politics are not identifying with the term ‘‘biopolitics,’’ it may neither be possible nor necessary to rebrand by attempting to reclaim the term ‘‘biopolitics’’ from the postmodern camp or utilize a label such as ‘‘neuropolitics.’’ Rather, those pursuing this work tend to already identify with the subfield of political psychology—a field that has been expanding to encompass an even more multidisciplinary approach to the study of political attitudes and behavior.
Classical and Quantum Conformal Field Theory

We define chiral vertex operators and duality matrices and review the fundamental identities they satisfy. In order to understand the meaning of these equations, and therefore of conformal field theory, we define the classical limit of a conformal field theory as a limit in which the conformal weights of all primary fields vanish. The classical limit of the equations for the duality matrices in rational field theory together with some results of category theory, suggest that (quantum) conformal field theory should be regarded as a generalization of group theory.
Using hyperbaric oxygen to treat diabetic foot ulcers: safety and effectiveness.

yperbaric oxygen therapy is no longer considered a “fringe” treatment. A quick Internet search shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an increasingly popular treatment option for a variety of injuries and disorders. Hyperbaric treatment centers are appearing even in relatively small communities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The primary mechanism of action of hyperbaric oxygen—enhancement of tissue oxygenation—makes this therapy particularly useful for the resolution of hypoxic conditions such as traumatic crush injuries, necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, and anemia due to extensive blood loss. It has also been used with various degrees of success to treat many other disorders, including migraine headaches, morbidity due to radiation damage, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, ulcerative colitis, and anorexia nervosa. Approximately 17 million persons in the United States (6.2% of the population) have diabetes, and an additional 1 million cases are diagnosed annually. 1,2 The
Cyclopentadienylidene in interstellar space

Abstract The discovery cyclopropenylidene in interstellar space raises the possibility of finding larger ring systems also. In order to assist in spectroscopic investigations, high-level ab initio quantum mechanical studies are reported for the geometry, dipole moment and vibrational frequencies of the ground state of cyclopentadienylidene, and the geometries and relative energies of the first two excited electronic states.
Abdominal fat radiodensity, quantity and cardiometabolic risk: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Abstract Background and aims Fat radiodensity, as measured by fat attenuation on computed tomography (CT), has emerged as a potential biomarker of “fat quality.” We sought to characterize the relationship between fat radiodensity and quantity in subcutaneous, visceral, and intermuscular fat depots, and its role in inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods and results We studied 1511 individuals from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who underwent CT for measurement of regional fat distribution and radiodensity, along with biomarker assessments and adjudication of incident metabolic syndrome (MetS). Linear, logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to measure association between fat radiodensity and (1) fat quantity, (2) biomarkers of cardiometabolic dysfunction, and (3) both prevalent and incident MetS. In each fat depot, radiodensity was strongly and inversely associated with quantity (e.g., visceral fat radiodensity vs. quantity: ρ = −0.82, P Conclusion Fat radiodensity is strongly correlated with fat quantity and relevant inflammatory biomarkers. Fat radiodensity (especially for visceral fat) may be a complementary, easily assessed marker of cardiometabolic risk.
Occludin deficiency promotes ethanol-induced disruption of colonic epithelial junctions, gut barrier dysfunction and liver damage in mice

Abstract Background Disruption of epithelial tight junctions (TJ), gut barrier dysfunction and endotoxemia play crucial role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic tissue injury. Occludin, a transmembrane protein of TJ, is depleted in colon by alcohol. However, it is unknown whether occludin depletion influences alcoholic gut and liver injury. Methods Wild type (WT) and occludin deficient (Ocln −/− ) mice were fed 1–6% ethanol in Lieber–DeCarli diet. Gut permeability was measured by vascular-to-luminal flux of FITC-inulin. Junctional integrity was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Liver injury was assessed by plasma transaminase, histopathology and triglyceride analyses. The effect of occludin depletion on acetaldehyde-induced TJ disruption was confirmed in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Results Ethanol feeding significantly reduced body weight gain in Ocln −/− mice. Ethanol increased inulin permeability in colon of both WT and Ocln −/− mice, but the effect was 4-fold higher in Ocln −/− mice. The gross morphology of colonic mucosa was unaltered, but ethanol disrupted the actin cytoskeleton, induced redistribution of occludin, ZO-1, E-cadherin and β-catenin from the junctions and elevated TLR4, which was more severe in Ocln −/− mice. Occludin knockdown significantly enhanced acetaldehyde-induced TJ disruption and barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Ethanol significantly increased liver weight and plasma transaminase activity in Ocln −/− mice, but not in WT mice. Histological analysis indicated more severe lesions and fat deposition in the liver of ethanol-fed Ocln −/− mice. Ethanol-induced elevation of liver triglyceride was also higher in Ocln −/− mice. Conclusion This study indicates that occludin deficiency increases susceptibility to ethanol-induced colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction and liver damage in mice.
Solution-processed carbon nanotube thin-film complementary static random access memory

Over the past two decades, extensive research on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has elucidated their many extraordinary properties, making them one of the most promising candidates for solution-processable, high-performance integrated circuits. In particular, advances in the enrichment of high-purity semiconducting SWCNTs have enabled recent circuit demonstrations including synchronous digital logic, flexible electronics and high-frequency applications. However, due to the stringent requirements of the transistors used in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic as well as the absence of sufficiently stable and spatially homogeneous SWCNT thin-film transistors, the development of large-scale SWCNT CMOS integrated circuits has been limited in both complexity and functionality. Here, we demonstrate the stable and uniform electronic performance of complementary p-type and n-type SWCNT thin-film transistors by controlling adsorbed atmospheric dopants and incorporating robust encapsulation layers. Based on these complementary SWCNT thin-film transistors, we simulate, design and fabricate arrays of low-power static random access memory circuits, achieving large-scale integration for the first time based on solution-processed semiconductors.
Rapid Short-Read Sequencing and Aneuploidy Detection Using MinION Nanopore Technology

MinION is a memory stick-sized nanopore-based sequencer designed primarily for single-molecule sequencing of long DNA fragments (>6 kb). We developed a library preparation and data-analysis method to enable rapid real-time sequencing of short DNA fragments (<1 kb) that resulted in the sequencing of 500 reads in 3 min and 40,000-80,000 reads in 2-4 hr at a rate of 30 nt/sec. We then demonstrated the clinical applicability of this approach by performing successful aneuploidy detection in prenatal and miscarriage samples with sequencing in <4 hr. This method broadens the application of nanopore-based single-molecule sequencing and makes it a promising and versatile tool for rapid clinical and research applications.
Surrender Your Devices or Be Turned Away: Privacy Rights at the Border

Recent revelations of mass surveillance programs used by the National Security Agency has triggered a shift in concerns over the information that we carry in our portable electronic devices remaining private. The public is becoming more protective of their personal information and apprehensive regarding who collects, stores and uses it. One major area of concern is that of information being carried with international travelers becoming subjected to a search without a search and seizure warrant at our nation’s ports of entry. Under the Border Search Doctrine, found within our Fourth Amendment, agents have the right to search inbound travelers for contraband, which is generally considered reasonable for the state to do to protect its citizens. However, when this doctrine is applied to electronic devices, the amount of information that likely would be accessed is vast and variable, potentially triggering our Fourth Amendment protection. This article discusses the standards of privacy under the Fourth Amendment, its border search doctrine, issues surrounding self-incrimination, other challenges, and a possible legislative solution that could protect passengers’ information as it passes through a port of entry into the United States.
The Basel Committee and the International Organization of Securities Commissions' 'Criteria for Identifying Simple, Transparent and Comparable Securitisations': Not So Simple

This note examines the July 2015 Basel Committee/IOSCO (operating as the Task Force on Securitisation Markets or “TFSM”) “Criteria for Identifying Simple, Transparent and Comparable Securitisations” and the supplementary November 2015 consultative document entitled “Capital Treatment for ‘Simple, Transparent and Comparable Securitisations.’” The simple, transparent and comparable (STC) criteria put forward are intended to help all parties involved in a securitization transaction better evaluate the risks of a particular securitization, especially as it compares to similar securitizations. Furthermore, given that adherence to these guidelines will also reduce the overall complexity and risk of the transaction, the capital guidelines from November 2015 call for reduced regulatory capital charges for banks holding exposures to STC-compliant securities. While this is a prudent approach to reducing complexity and encouraging securitization transactions that can benefit the real economy, the proposed methods of implementation raise serious issues. This note will argue that the so-called “self-attestation” method for deeming securitizations to be STC-compliant creates the potential for conflicts of interest that undermine the effectiveness of the framework. The self-attestation method also creates the risk for legal uncertainty, leading to regulatory arbitrage and hampering secondary market liquidity. Finally, the release of the STC criteria very close in time to the European Commission’s release of the similar criteria for “Simple, Transparent and Standardised” (STS) securitizations belies a lack of coordination among global regulatory bodies addressing securitization reforms in the post-crisis era. The note concludes by arguing that global regulatory bodies must work closely to harmonize their securitization reform frameworks in order to promote the effectiveness of such measures and to avoid regulatory divergence.
Activation of Campoletis sonorensis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) eggs by artificial means

Eggs of Campoletis sonorensis (Carlson) removed from the lateral oviduct of females do not initiate development, even after their injection into hosts, Heliothis virescens (F.), along with known important female accessory secretions. Naturally oviposited eggs removed from a host and treated similarly to eggs removed from the female do initiate development. Such eggs differ in having been distorted as they move through the ovipositor. As in several other species of parasitic Hymenoptera, mechanical stress that simulates oviposition activates C. sonorensis eggs. We report that certain hypertonic insect salines and cold shock can also activate C. sonorensis eggs. Thus, egg activation is probably more complex than has been suspected but easier to induce than previously thought.
Risk factors for infection after operative fixation of Tibial plateau fractures.

Abstract Introduction Tibial plateau fractures are challenging to treat due to the high incidence of postoperative infections. Treating physicians should be aware of risk factors for postoperative infection in patients who undergo operative fixation. Patients and methods A retrospective review was undertaken to identify all patients with tibial plateau fractures over a 10 year period (2003–2012) who underwent open reduction internal fixation. A total of 532 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Several patient and clinical characteristics were recorded, and those variables with a significant association ( p Results Fifty-nine (11.1%) of the 532 patients developed a deep infection. The average length of follow-up for patients was 19.5 months. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common species, and it was isolated in 26 (44.1%) patients. Open fractures, the presence of compartment syndrome, and a Schatzker type IV−VI were found to be independent risk factors for deep infection. Conclusions The rate of deep infection remains high after operative fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Patients with risk factors for infection should be counseled on the possibility of reoperation, and surgeons should consider MRSA prophylaxis in those patients who are at higher risk.
Species diversity, tooth size, and shape of Haplomylus (Condylarthra, Hyopsodontidae) from the Powder River basin, northeastern Wyoming

Haplomylus specimens from Lower Eocene rocks of the Powder River Basin can be assigned to four species based on morphology. One of these is the generotypic species, H. speirianus, and a second is a similar-sized, but morphologically distinct new species, H. bozemanesnsis. These two species occur together, in apparent stasis, for over 120 meters of section. Two other species replace them after an interval represented by approximately 20 meters of deposits. These latter species are larger, but each resembles one of the earlier forms. The co-occurrence of two closely related species with total overlap in metric characteristics shows the need for caution in using an exclusively measurement-based stratophenetic approach to lineage evaluation through time.
Patent Eligibility Post-Myriad: A Reinvigorated Judicial Wildcard of Uncertain Effect

In the 1970s and early 1980s the US Supreme Court issued several landmark decisions establishing the contours of patent eligibility, a judicially created doctrine that serves as a gatekeeper to prevent the patenting of subject matter deemed so fundamental as to be better left unpatented. Over the course of the next 25 years the Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit oversaw a progressive expansion in the scope subject matter deemed patent eligible, highlighted by the adoption in the 1990’s of a “useful, concrete and tangible” test for patent eligibility that for all practical purposes seemed to subsume the patent eligibility inquiry with the requirement of utility. However, in 2006 the Supreme Court actively reengaged the doctrine, and since that time the Court has granted certiorari in five patent eligibility cases, resulting in four decisions (the first case was dismissed after oral argument). In every case in which the Court reached a decision, all of the patent claims at issue were ruled invalid for covering patent ineligible subject matter. Unfortunately, these decisions provide little guidance for the lower courts and the Patent Office with respect to the criteria to be applied in assessing patent eligibility, and little coherent insight into exactly what the Court is trying to accomplish. This Article identifies some of the critical open questions that have been raised by the Supreme Court’s reinvigoration of patent eligibility, and reviews some of the early efforts by the lower courts to apply the heightened standard in a manner that maintains adequate incentives for innovation while addressing the legitimate policy concerns underlying the Supreme Court’s current obsession with the doctrine.
Perioperative nutritional considerations in the tonsillectomy patient.

Tonsillectomy has become an outpatient procedure in many cases; therefore, responsibility for postoperative care has been shifted to the patient. The hydration of the patient both pre-and postoperatively must be maintained in order to ensure the safety and the comfort of the patient.
Immune modification and complications of immunosuppression.

Immune modification is necessary to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Nurses caring for transplant recipients must be knowledgeable about immunosuppressive medications and the complications of immunosuppression. This article reviews individual immunosuppressive drugs, the complications of immunosuppression, nursing considerations, and provides a guide to patient and family education about immunosuppression.
Ecological Origins of Object Salience: Reward, Uncertainty, Aversiveness, and Novelty.

Among many objects around us, some of them are more salient than others (i.e., attract our attention automatically). Some objects may be inherently salient (e.g., brighter), but others may become salient by virtue of their ecological relevance through experience. However, the importance of ecological experience in guiding attention has not been studied systematically. To address this question, we let subjects (macaque monkeys) view a large number of complex objects (>300), each experienced repeatedly (>5 days) with rewarding, aversive or no outcome association (mere-perceptual exposure). Test of salience was done on separate days using free viewing with no outcome. We found that gaze was biased among the objects from the outset, affecting saccades to objects or fixations within objects. When the outcome was rewarding, gaze preference was stronger (i.e. positive) for objects with larger or equal but uncertain rewards. The effects of aversive outcomes were variable. Gaze preference was positive for some outcome associations (e.g. airpuff), but negative for others (e.g. time-out), possibly due to differences in threat levels. Finally, novel objects attracted gaze, but mere perceptual exposure of objects reduced their salience (learned negative salience). Our results show that, in primates, object salience is strongly influenced by previous ecological experience and is supported by a large memory capacity. Owing to such learned salience, the capacity to rapidly choose important objects can grow during the entire life to promote biological fitness.
Automatic trigger generation for end user written rules for home automation

To customize the behavior of a smart home, an end user writes rules. When an external event satisfies a rule's trigger, the rule's action executes; for example, when the temperature is above a certain threshold, then window awnings might be extended. End users often write incorrect rules. This paper's technique prevents a certain category of errors in the rules: errors due to too few triggers. It statically analyzes a rule's actions to automatically determine a set of necessary and sufficient triggers. We implemented the technique in a tool called TrigGen and tested it on 96 end-user written rules for openHAB, an open-source home automation platform. It identified that 80% of the rules had fewer triggers than required for correct behavior. The missing triggers could lead to unexpected behavior and security vulnerabilities in a smart home.