cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHAPTER 5 – Additivity, Complementarity, and Synergism

This chapter discusses the additivity, complementarity, and synergism properties of polysaccharides. Mixed dispersions react by the same number-, weight-, and viscosity-average principles as single-solute dispersions, but combinations may evoke entirely new properties. When two polysaccharides are dispersed in water, under gelling conditions, the one more prone to gelation may develop a continuous reticulum throughout the solvent, embedding discrete volumes of the cosolute dispersion. The developed reticulum acquires the properties of the continuous phase polysaccharide and is filled with the cosolute. Additivity obtains when a measured property, e.g., viscosity, is the sum of the contributions made by each cosolute. The combined properties of the cosolutes in a single phase may exceed that of the additive property of each solute in separate phases in an identical volume of water, and this is referred to as synergism. The galactomannans, especially those with the least galactose substituents on the primary structure, display synergism with the broadest array of polysaccharides.
What do we really know about the atomic-scale structures of nanophase materials?

Robert W. Balluffi has spent a rich research lifetime critically investigating and elucidating the atomic scale defect structures of materials. Now, a new class of ultrafine-grained materials has been created in which such defects exercise a dominant role. The structures of these new nanophase materials, both metals and ceramics, have been investigated over the past several years by a wide range of experimental methods. These studies have included observations by x-ray and neutron scattering, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, Moessbauer, Raman, and positron annihilation spectroscopy, and most recently scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. While the experiments have yielded considerable useful information about the structures of nanophase materials on a variety of length scales, much about the local atomic arrangements in the grains and interfaces of these materials remains to be elucidated. The present status of the author`s knowledge of these structures is reviewed and some future research needs and opportunities are considered.
Non-Reciprocal Acoustic Transmission in a GaN Delay Line Using the Acoustoelectric Effect

This letter reports on first-time demonstration of non-reciprocal acoustic transmission in a gallium nitride (GaN) delay line structure. The split of forward (S21) and backward (S12) transmissions is observed by applying a dc electric field through the active area with a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) sheet. The non-reciprocity (~20.7 dB/mm max. in this letter) varies by tuning the gate voltage to deplete the 2DEG sheet carrier density, which agrees with model prediction for the interaction between 2DEG and surface acoustic waves. Our preliminary results prove the feasibility of implementing chip-scale non-reciprocal acoustic devices in a GaN platform through acoustoelectric amplification.
A Comparative Examination of Unhealthy Behaviors and Negative-LGBT Experiences among Individuals in Legal Same-Sex Marriages and in Committed Same-Sex Relationships

Extant literature on different-sex marriage has widely demonstrated its beneficial and protective effects. Given that legal same-sex marriage has been available on a state-by-state basis only since 2004 starting with Massachusetts and nationwide since 2015 after the Supreme Court Ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges, it is imperative to understand if those in entering legal same-sex marriage are different from those who are not entering this institution. We identify unhealthy behaviors, such as binge drinking and not being faithful and negative LGB-experiences, such as stigma and bullying, to examine if those in legal same-sex marriage participate in these behaviors or have these experiences at different levels compared to those in committed relationships. Using a U.S. sample convenience (N = 158), represented strongly by the state of Texas, we found that those in legal marriages participated in unhealthy behaviors and experienced negative LGB-experiences at levels lower than those in committed relationships. Results from multivariate analyses, using Poisson’s regression model, indicate that being legally married as opposed to being in committed relationship reduced unhealthy behaviors and negative experiences after controlling for sociodemographic factors. We recommend further research on same-sex marriage because of its potential implications on health.
Al-Radd al-jamīl – A Fitting Refutation of the Divinity of Jesus: Attributed to Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī

This work by Mark Beaumont and Maha El Kaisy-Friemuth is a study, edition and translation of a well-known anti-Christian polemical work attributed to Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī (d. 505/1111), generally k...
Perinatal Complications of Maternal Diabetes

Maternal diabetes, either preexisting or gestational in onset, is well known to contribute to perinatal morbidity. In all cases of maternal diabetes, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction leads to an inability to produce adequate insulin to maintain appropriate glucose levels; glucose freely crosses the placenta and gains access to the fetal circulation leading to hyperglycemia and other metabolic abnormalities in the developing fetus. This can lead to physical developmental problems in the form of congenital anomalies (particularly cardiac anomalies) and macrosomia. Further, metabolic derangements – including severe hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia – in the neonatal period are frequently present and more severe in the offspring of diabetic mothers.
Intra-abdominal adipose tissue in young children

OBJECTIVE Intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) is associated with the metabolic complications of obesity. However the time course for the development of IAAT is not clearly defined because it is generally difficult to measure directly. The purposes of this short communication are to present data supporting the existence of IAAT in young children using direct measurement with computed tomography imaging, and to examine the relationship between IAAT and anthropometric indices in 16 healthy children (6.4 +/- 1.2 years; 24.8 +/- 5.4 kg). DESIGN Total body fat (6.4 +/- 3.5 kg) and fat free mass (18.4 +/- 3.6 kg) were determined by bioelectrical resistance. Fat distribution was estimated from eight individual skinfold measurements, the ratio of three trunk skinfolds to three extremity skinfolds (0.78 +/- 0.20), and the waist:hip ratio (0.90 +/- 0.08). RESULTS Mean abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) was 65.3 +/- 44.8 cm2, and mean IAAT was 8.3 +/- 5.8 cm2. The ratio of IAAT to SCAT was 0.15 +/- 0.08, and the ratio of IAAT to total body fat was 1.44 +/- 0.84 cm2/kg. IAAT was significantly correlated with body weight (r = 0.54; P = 0.03), all skinfold measures (range r = 0.60-0.78; P = 0.02 to 0.0003) except at the calf, fat mass (r = 0.69; P = 0.003), and the trunk to extremity skinfold ratio (r = 0.78; P = 0.0003). There was no significant correlation between IAAT and the waist:hip ratio (r = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results establish the existence of IAAT in young children and suggest that individual trunk skinfold measurements and the trunk:extremity skinfold ratio provide a better indication of IAAT compared to the waist:hip ratio. However, as with adults, the relationship between intra-abdominal adipose tissue and anthropometry in children is complex.
Optimizing injected activity in whole-body 3D PET: Relating NECR and singles rates

1806 Objectives: Whereas administered activities for 2D whole-body FDG PET studies are limited by radiation safety considerations, for 3D acquisition they are usually limited by the scanner’s count rate capability. The aim of this study was to characterize the 3D count rate capability of the GE Discovery RX with a view to optimizing whole-body FDG protocols. Methods: Noise equivalent count rate (NECR) curves were measured according to the NEMA NU 2-2001 protocol on two different scanners operating in 3D mode: GE Discovery RX (LYSO crystals) and Philips Gemini (GSO crystals). The activity concentration range on the NECR curve that corresponded to typical clinical whole body studies was determined by examining the singles rates of 75 patient studies acquired on the Gemini. The applicability of using singles rates to identify the operational range on the NECR curve was investigated over a range of count rates by calculating image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in a torso phantom under different conditions of padding and outside FOV activity. Results: The NECR (1R) peak was 27.8 kcps at 9.0 kBq/ml for the Gemini and 99.3 kcps at 20.5 kBq/ml for the Discovery RX. The singles rate (but not the activity concentration) at the NECR peak was consistent with that obtained at the image SNR peak for a range of phantom sizes. Patient singles rates decreased with increasing weight (mean 76.5 kg ± 19.7 kg) and were, on average, 12.6 Mcps (SD = 2.75 Mcps) following an injection of 470.2 ± 33.4 MBq FDG and mean delay of 71 min ± 21 min. These data were normally distributed so 95% confidence intervals indicate a singles range of 12.6 Mcps ± 1.96 SD. In the Gemini NECR experiment similar singles rates were obtained at an activity concentration of 3.3–9.0 kBq/ml, just below the peak of the NECR curve. Increasing the patient administration to 940 MBq (~25 mCi) would correspond to a concentration range of 6.6-18.0 kBq/ml in the NECR experiment, well below the peak of the NECR curve for the Discovery RX. Conclusions: These data suggest that for 3D whole-body FDG studies, the high count rate performance of the Discovery RX means that administered activity is limited by radiation safety factors, as opposed to scanner count rate considerations.
Pedicled Vascularized Bone Grafts for Posterior Lumbosacral Fusion: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study and Case Report.

Abstract Study Design Cadaveric feasibility study and case report. Objective To determine if it is feasible to rotate pedicled vascularized bone graft (VBG) from L1 to S1 via a posterior approach. Summary of Background Data VBG has been used to successfully augment fusion rates in various skeletal pathologies. Pedicled VBG has numerous advantages over free-transfer VBG, including the maintenance of a robust vascular supply to the graft without the need for vascular anastomoses. Pedicled VBG options have not been well described for posterior lumbosacral fusion. Methods A multidisciplinary team of plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons hypothesized that it is feasible to rotate pedicled VBG from L1 to S1 via a posterior approach. In six cadavers, two VBG donor sites were evaluated: posterior element (PE-VBG) and iliac crest (IC-VBG). A single case report of a patient with lumbar Charcot joint treated with IC-VBG is also presented. Results For the PE-VBG, the laminae and spinous processes were mobilized en bloc via Gill laminectomy on a unilateral sacrospinalis pedicle. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) length × width graft dimensions were 2.8±0.48 cm × 2.2±0.81 cm. The inter–transverse process (inter-TP) distance was less than the corresponding lamina length at all levels. For the IC-VBG, iliac crest was mobilized on a quadratus lumborum pedicle. Mean±SD length × width × thickness graft dimensions were 7.7±1.28 cm × 2.2±0.69 cm × 1.5±0.79 cm. The IC-VBGs reached from L1 (T12–S1) to S1 (S1–S3), and all IC-VBGs were able to cover three levels. Conclusions This feasibility cadaveric study and the case report are the first demonstrations that pedicled VBGs can be successfully applied to posterior lumbosacral spinal arthrodesis. Patients at high risk for nonunion may benefit from these strategies. Further clinical experience with these techniques is warranted. Level of Evidence Level IV.
WiFO: A hybrid communication network based on integrated free-space optical and WiFi femtocells

Abstract Developments in smart home technology and the Internet of Things have significantly increased the demand for high-speed indoor wireless links. Although the majority of the research conducted in this area is still focused on the efficient usage of radio frequency (RF) spectrum, free-space optical (FSO) networks have also been explored as an alternative due to their large bandwidth potentials and low interference. In this paper we present a hybrid FSO and WiFi system (WiFO) that seamlessly integrates optical femtocell architecture with high mobility WiFi networks. Each FSO femtocell in this indoor communication system is capable of transmitting and receiving data at a rate of 50 Mbps over a distance of up to three meters with a field-of-view of ± 15°, while still achieving a low bit error rate between 10 −6 , and 10 −4 . Reed–Solomon forward error correction codes were also applied to the data stream to further reduce the bit error rate to below 10 −7 . Different than many other free-space optical communication network using static transceivers, mobility in our WiFO system is achieved through the integration of a WiFi channel in the network protocol. The WiFi channel provides a feedback mechanism and allows for seamless handoffs between FSO femtocells. Additionally, we have experimentally demonstrated the advantage of this WiFO architecture by comparing the throughput of our system with a standard WiFi link in a realistic scenario. Our investigation has shown that the WiFO system presented in this work offers a cost-effective and easy-to-implement approach to significantly increase the capacity of current WiFi networks.
Molecular Thermodynamics Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is perhaps the most widely used technology from the undergraduate teaching labs in organic chemistry to advanced research for the determination of three-dimensional structure as well as dynamics of biomolecular systems... The NMR spectrum of a molecule under a given experimental condition is unique, providing both quantitative and structural information. In particular, the quantitative nature of NMR spectroscopy offers the ability to follow a reaction pathway of the given molecule in a dynamic process under well-defined experimental conditions. To highlight the use of NMR when determining the molecular thermodynamic parameters, a review of three distinct applications developed from our laboratory is presented. These applications include the thermodynamic parameters of (a) molecular oxidation from time-dependent kinetics, (b) intramolecular rotation, and (c) intermolecular exchange. An experimental overview and the method of data analysis are provided so that these applications can be adopted in a range of molecular systems.
On Cesáro Averages for Weighted Trees in the Random Forest

The random forest is a popular and effective classification method. It uses a combination of bootstrap resampling and subspace sampling to construct an ensemble of decision trees that are then averaged for a final prediction. In this paper, we propose a potential improvement on the random forest that can be thought of as applying a weight to each tree before averaging. The new method is motivated by the potential instability of averaging predictions of trees that may be of highly variable quality, and because of this, we replace the regular average with a Cesaro average. We provide both a theoretical analysis that gives exact conditions under which the new approach outperforms the traditional random forest, and numerical analysis that shows the new approach is competitive when training a classification model on numerous realistic data sets.
Trajectories of Blood Lipid Concentrations Over the Adult Life Course and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality: Observations From the Framingham Study Over 35 Years.

Background Elevated total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides, and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C) and low high‐density lipoprotein cho...
Cardiac Sensing Exploiting an Ultra-Wideband Terahertz Sensing System

In this paper, we present a novel ultra-wideband (UWB) Terahertz (THz) sensing system for cardiac monitoring and we extract cardiac pulse information from various peripheral body parts by analyzing heartbeat-related skin motions and body motions. Using our system, we demonstrate improved cardiac measurement performance by exploiting unique THz spectral features, narrow focused beam, large signaling bandwidth and superior phase sensitivity, compared to previous results on cardiac measurement. Additionally, we conduct correlation based analysis and show that the Terahertz pulse measure is highly correlated with the contact pulse reference. We compare the estimated heart rates against the reference rates to show accuracy.
Soft Thermal Actuators with Embedded Liquid Metal Microdroplets for Improved Heat Management

Shape memory alloy (SMA) has been widely used in soft robotics systems due to its high work density, shape programmability, rigidity tunability and low requirement of the peripheral electronic devices and power for control and actuation. However, the low bandwith of the SMA actuator resulted in long cooling time that limit the performance of the soft robotics. To address this issue, methods like embedding thermally conductive elastomer and adding antagonistic mechanisms have been attempted. Here, we combine both methods and construct a series of study to characterize the improvement in actuation performance of the SMA actuators both in air and water by embedding the SMA wire inside liquid metal embedded elastomer with various liquid metal volume ratio. The improvement in actuation frequency leads to a locomotion speed improvement of a frog-inspired swimming soft robot.
Long-Range Pose Estimation for Aerial Refueling Approaches Using Deep Neural Networks

Automated aerial refueling (AAR) provides unique challenges for computer vision systems. Aerial refueling maneuvers require high-precision low-variance pose estimates. The performance of two stereo...
Building a Model While Debunking Another: The Rivalry of Arab Nationalism between ‘Abd al-Karim Qasim and Gamal Abdel Nasser

The decade of 1950–60 was unique in terms of the establishment of a supranational Arab union, known as the United Arab Republic. However, this union was ill born due to certain frictions between Ar...
Molecular phylogenetic and in silico analysis of glyceraldeyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene from northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus)

Many recent studies have been focused on prevalence and impact of two helminth parasites, eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi and caecal worm Aulonocephalus pennula, in the northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). However, few studies have attempted to examine the effect of these parasites on the bobwhite immune system. This is likely due to the lack of proper reference genes for relative gene expression studies. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a glycolytic enzyme that is often utilized as a reference gene, and in this preliminary study, we evaluated the similarity of bobwhite GAPDH to GAPDH in other avian species to evaluate its potential as a reference gene in bobwhite. GAPDH was identified in the bobwhite full genome sequence and multiple sets of PCR primers were designed to generate overlapping PCR products. These products were then sequenced and then aligned to generate the sequence for the full-length open reading frame (ORF) of bobwhite GAPDH. Utilizing this sequence, phylogenetic analyses and comparative analysis of the exon–intron pattern were conducted that revealed high similarity of GAPDH encoding sequences among bobwhite and other Galliformes. Additionally, This ORF sequence was also used to predict the encoded protein and its three-dimensional structure which like the phylogenetic analyses reveal that bobwhite GAPDH is similar to GAPDH in other Galliformes. Finally, GAPDH qPCR primers were designed, standardized, and tested with bobwhite both uninfected and infected with O. petrowi, and this preliminary test showed no statistical difference in expression of GAPDH between the two groups. These analyses are the first to investigate GAPDH in bobwhite. These efforts in phylogeny, sequence analysis, and protein structure suggest that there is > 97% conservation of GADPH among Galliformes. Furthermore, the results of these in silico tests and the preliminary qPCR indicate that GAPDH is a prospective candidate for use in gene expression analyses in bobwhite.
Listening Like a Computer: Attentional Tensions and Mechanized Care in Psychiatric Digital Phenotyping:

This article explores negotiations over the humanistic versus mechanized components of care through an ethnographic account of digital phenotyping research. I focus on a US-based team of psychiatri...
Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is the formation of a blood clot within the mesenteric venous system, including the superior and inferior mesenteric veins or their venous tributaries. The superior mesenteric vein is generally the site of involvement of MVT. Thrombosis of the inferior mesenteric vein thrombosis is a rare occurrence. The presentation of MVT may be acute, subacute or chronic, each of these having different clinical patterns with possible overlap between the various forms. MVT is one of the recognized causes of mesenteric ischemia which refers to inadequate perfusion to meet the metabolic demands of visceral organs.
Evaluating a Transformational Health Game to Influence Perceptions of the Condoms-as-Evidence Policy

Objective: Some countries treat carrying condoms as evidence of prostitution, commonly referred to as “condoms-as-evidence” policy/practice. This policy has deleterious outcomes on the health and s...
Electrocardiographic biosignals to predict atrial fibrillation: Are we there yet?

Abstract The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to grow in an aging population, and its impact on both patients and the health care system has has made it a global burden. There are limited available options to detect individuals at risk of AF that may benefit from prevention and treatment strategies. The ECG may be an effective tool do so. In this work, we discuss the latest work by Hayiroglu and colleagues related to this work and the use of novel ECG prediction tools to identify individuals individuals that could benefit from early and proactive screening, surveillance, and management strategies.
Adequacy of Hydrologic Records for Parameter Estimation

Monte Carlo simulation can be used to determine the probability of errors of various magnitudes produced by stochastic models and how these error probabilities change as the number of observations used in determining the parameters of the stochastic model change. The simulation technique is simple, easy to apply and produces results that are easy to interpret. The step-by-step procedure is outlined in this paper. A stochastic model of monthly streamflow is used to illustrate the procedure and demonstrate that a table of error probabilities as a function of the number of observations available can be produced.
Nanomaterials Incorporated Bioelectronics

Bioelectronics can be defined as the functional integration of biological molecules together with electronic components. Bioelectronic systems combine the specific recognition properties of proteins or DNA with the mechanical and electrical properties of metallic or semiconducting solid-state materials. A major aspect of a bioelectronic device is the generation or modulation of electrical current in an electronic circuit by means of molecular binding of the analyte of interest. In this article, we essentially give a brief introduction to bioelectronics followed by details about biosensors and their classification based on the molecular recognition component, methods of transduction, and materials employed. Following this, we have then briefly discussed the usefulness of a nanomaterials-based system as transducer elements. In the next section, we summarize the efforts made by different researchers to develop a framework to support the biological machinery and its working principles for self-assembly of molecular electronics. Next, we account for the usefulness of employing various carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, carbon onion, and the recently invented graphene as a substrate to design nanoscale biosensors for various applications. Finally, we have also provided information on artificial neural networks, their development and possible applications in medicine. Keywords: bioelectronics; biosensors; nanomaterial; molecular electronics; artificial neural network
Nanoengineered Systems for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

The ability to generate and transplant functional tissue constructs, through the artificial engineering of biological tissues, may provide a solution for a number of biomedical challenges. However, several clinically viable tissue engineering products having been created, limitations such as the lack of a suitable cell source and the inability to generate three-dimensional (3-D) tissues with sufficient complexity and functional properties, greatly hinders us from realizing the full potential of tissue engineering. Recently, nanotechnology has been used for tissue engineering by generating materials and devices that can mimic the organization and structure of native tissues or direct cell function. In this chapter we will discuss the use of nanoengineered systems and nanomaterials for generating 3-D tissues, for controlling stem cell differentiation, as well as analyzing the resultant constructs in vitro and in vivo. The application of nanotechnology for biological studies, as well as drug screening and diagnostics, will also be discussed. Keywords: nanomaterials; nanotextured biomaterials; electrospinning; layer-by-layer; nanoparticles
Life Stage Studies and the Eighteenth Century: Reading Age in Literature

This essay traces the field of life stage studies, surveying its general trends and its particular impact on our understanding of eighteenth-century culture. Also known as “life cycle studies,” “life span studies,” or “age studies,” this field has been largely overlooked until recently, but has yielded new insights into identity and literary formations. When aggregated, recent studies show a profound change in how aging was perceived and treated in the eighteenth century as more fluid ideas about three stages of the life cycle – childhood, adolescence, and senescence – gradually became identified not simply by social rituals or external appearance but also by numerical age. Because of its multidisciplinary approach, life stage studies allows us both to recognize this transformation and to connect it to developments in the eighteenth century in the fields of philosophy, law, education, social policy, and literature.
Pattern discovery in temporal databases: a temporal logic approach

The work of Mannila et al. [4] of finding frequent episodes in sequences is extended to finding temporal logic patterns in temporal databases. It is argued that temporal logic provides an appropriate formalism for expressing temporal patterns defined over categorical data. It is also proposed to use Temporal Logic Programming as a mechanism for the discovery of frequent patterns expressible in temporal logic. It is explained in the paper how frequent temporal patterns can be discovered by constructing temporal logic programs.
The Superstition of Necessity

The workers’ answers raise for learning theory and educational practice problems similar to those raised by John Dewey in early papers on logic. If continuity from question to answer is disrupted, if correspondence between proposition and world is derailed, if identity and contradiction are difficult to define in the play of events, then the institutionalization of logic as an autonomous clearinghouse for careful thinking is arbitrary and possibly pernicious. Dewey’s essay titles between 1903 and 1908 — “The Relationship of Thought and Its Subject-matter” (MW 2, 298–315), “The Control of Ideas by Facts” (MW 4, 78–90), and “The Logical Character of Ideas” (MW 4, 91–7) — identify relationships disrupted by the inversion of knowing and doing among the exterminators.
Visual Pathways Involved in Fear Conditioning Measured with Fear-Potentiated Startle: Behavioral and Anatomic Studies

Visual pathways to the amygdala, a brain structure critical for classical fear conditioning, were investigated. Conditioned fear was measured in rats as increased acoustic startle amplitude in the presence versus absence of a light or an odor paired previously with foot shock (fear-potentiated startle). Post-training lesions of both the lateral geniculate body (LG) and lateral posterior nucleus (LP) of the thalamus together, but not lesions of LG or LP alone, completely blocked the expression of fear-potentiated startle to a visual conditioned stimulus (CS) but not to an olfactory CS. These lesions also did not block contextual fear conditioning using startle or freezing as measures. Local infusion of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2,3-dioxo-benzo[f] quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide disodium, an AMPA antagonist, into the visual thalamus immediately before testing also blocked fear-potentiated startle to a visual CS, suggesting that the lesion effects were not attributable to damage of fibers of passage. Iontophoretic injections into the LP of the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine resulted in heavy anterograde labeling in two amygdala–fugal cortical areas: area TE2 and dorsal perirhinal cortex (PR), and moderate labeling in the lateral amygdaloid nucleus (L). These results suggest that, during classical fear conditioning, a visual stimulus can be transmitted to the amygdala via either lemniscal (i.e., LG → V1, V2 → TE2/PR) or non-lemniscal (i.e., LP → V2, TE2/PR) thalamo-cortico-amygdala pathways, or direct thalamo-amygdala (i.e., LP → L) projections.
Adipose transcriptomics reveals novel genes and lincRNAs modified by n-3 PUFA supplementation and human-evoked endotoxemia (383.1)

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may be protective in cardiometabolic disease through modulation of chronic low-grade systemic and adipose inflammation. However the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on resting biomarkers is subtle; intervention studies often lack power to detect significant effects. The objective of the present study was to use unbiased adipose transcriptomics and evoked endotoxemia in human as a powerful model for genomic discovery in n-3 PUFA supplementation and inflammation. We collected adipose tissue biopsies from healthy individuals before and after n-3 PUFA supplementation (3600mg/day EPA/DHA) for 6-8 weeks compared with placebo (N=8 per group), and following an inflammatory challenge (LPS 0.6 ng/kg).Using unbiased transcriptomics (RNASeq) we profiled adipose tissue gene expression before and after n-3 PUFA supplementation, and after LPS challenge. We discovered a number of genes and lincRNAs that were significantly regulated by n-3 PUFA supplementation, i...
MORE MUSCLE BEHIND REGULATION SHO? sHORT SELLING AND THE REGULATION OF STOCK BORROWING PROGRAMS

Recent amendments to SEC Regulation SHO (originally adopted in 2004) have implemented hard close requirements for fails to deliver which often follow the naked short selling of stock (selling short without having borrowed the shares). Naked short selling is frequently a central plank in a program designed to manipulate (illegally) securities prices. Hard close requirements have cut the fails to deliver by 50 percent, or more, from considerably over 1 billion shares per day. Those requirements have also created, however, before the fact, added impetus for the borrowing of stock. Recently, a middleman for a stock borrowing agency was convicted of securities fraud in the Eastern District of New York. By and large, though, regulation of stock borrowing and stock borrowing programs are unregulated, with the result that individual investors who lend shares of stock receive little or no disclosure and are often pigeons waiting to be plucked by short sellers and others. This article advocates regulation by the SEC of stock borrowing programs. Alternatively, the article argues that under existing law, stock borrowing programs and participation in them are investment contracts, and therefore securities. The ramification is that as a matter of common law stock lenders are entitled to full and fair disclosure by those who offer to borrow, or do borrow, shares.
Clinical results of carotid artery stenting compared with carotid endarterectomy.

Objectives Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for treating carotid artery stenosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical trials to date comparing these two procedures to determine their relative safety and efficacy. Methods Searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE identified two cohort studies and eight randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CEA and CAS. Meta-analysis was performed for the primary outcome of 30-day stroke or death, using an intention-to-treat analysis. Between-trial heterogeneity was assessed using the χ 2 test, and fixed-effects models were used to pool estimates in the absence of heterogeneity. Meta-regression was conducted to investigate potential effect differences by patient, intervention, and trial characteristics. To evaluate the effect of study design and inclusion criteria, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. Results Ten trials encompassing 3580 patients were analyzed. Patients who underwent CAS had a higher risk of 30-day stroke/death relative to patients who underwent CEA (risk ratio [RR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01-1.67). Meta-analysis and meta-regression demonstrated no between-trial heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis of only RCTs showed similar higher risk for stroke/death (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.79) in CAS patients. Subgroup analysis of trials enrolling only symptomatic patients showed higher risk of 30-day stroke/death (RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.18-2.25), but trials enrolling both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients showed no significant differences (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.59-1.35). Conclusions Meta-analysis of trials to date shows CAS is associated with higher 30-day risk of stroke/death compared with CEA. Thus, for the patient at average surgical risk, the role of CAS is unproven, especially for symptomatic patients. And for the patient at high surgical risk, the role of any intervention is uncertain in the setting of competing comorbidities. The results of ongoing clinical trials in this area will likely provide additional evidence to support treatment choices for carotid artery stenosis.
Incoherent Scatter Spectral Theories—Part I: A General Framework and Results for Small Magnetic Aspect Angles

A general framework for the incoherent scatter radar spectral theories is presented in terms of the generalized Nyquist theorem, Kramers-Kronig relations, and the characteristic functions of random charge-carrier displacements in the ionosphere. Specific spectral models for typical ionospheric conditions are derived and discussed. The discussions focus on the effect of Coulomb collisions in magnetized plasmas, which is a topic of current interest treated in further detail in the companion paper by the authors, as well as on different combinations of physical principles that can be invoked in the derivation of incoherent scatter spectral models.
Statistical thermodynamics predictions of the solubility parameter

The Simha and Somcynsky (S-S) lattice-hole theory has been shown to represent accurately the pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) surface of chain molecular melts and their mixtures. The characteristic scaling parameters, P*, T* and V*, extracted from equation of state (eos) measurements, are known for a large number of polymers. On this basis it is possible to compute the configurational internal energy density and thus the solubility parameter δ as a function of temperature and pressure, δ = δ(T, P). In the first part of this paper it is shown that the theory leads to an energy approximately proportional to the first power of density, that is of the van der Waals type, as found for low molar mass fluids by Hildebrand. We continue with a computation of δ for a series of polymer melts at two levels of temperature, namely T = 25 °C and T = Tg + 300 K. Next, the results are compared with those listed in reference publications, all at ambient pressure. The theoretical values extrapolated from the melt to 25 °C were systematically higher than those listed. However, good correlation is obtained with the high-temperature calculations for a large variety of polymers. Arguments for this low–high temperature correlation are presented in terms of corresponding levels of molecular mobility and packing in solution and in bulk. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Is Associated with Changes in Salivary Inflammatory Genes Transcripts

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a ubiquitous problem that affects public health and safety. A test that can reliably identify individuals that suffer from EDS is needed. In contrast to other methods, salivary biomarkers are an objective, inexpensive, and noninvasive method to identify individuals with inadequate sleep. Although we have previously shown that inflammatory genes are elevated in saliva samples taken from sleep deprived individuals, it is unclear if inflammatory genes will be elevated in clinical populations with EDS. In this study, salivary samples from individuals with sleep apnea were evaluated using the Taqman low density inflammation array. Transcript levels for 3 genes, including prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), were elevated in patients with sleep apnea. Interestingly, PTGS2 was also elevated in patients with EDS but who did not have sleep apnea. These data demonstrate the feasibility of using salivary transcript levels to identify individuals that self-report excessive daytime sleepiness.
Self-reported health status and quality of life in youth with cerebral palsy and typically developing youth.

Abstract Bjornson KF, Belza B, Kartin D, Logsdon RG, McLaughlin J. Self-reported health status and quality of life in youth with cerebral palsy and typically developing youth. Objective To describe self-reported health status and quality of life (QOL) of ambulatory youths with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with sex- and age-matched typically developing youth (TDY). Design Prospective cross-sectional cohort comparison. Setting Community-based. Participants A convenience sample of 81 youth with CP (age range, 10−13y) with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I through III and 30 TDY participated. They were recruited from 2 regional children's hospitals and 1 regional military medical center. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Participants completed the Child Health Questionnaire−Child Form (CHQ-CF87) for health status and the Youth Quality of Life for QOL. Results Youth with CP reported significantly lower health status than age- and sex-matched TDY in the following CHQ-CF87 subscales: role/social behavioral physical, bodily pain, physical function, and general health (CP mean rank, 46.8−55.2; TDY mean rank, 62.2−80.9). There were significant differences across GMFCS levels. There were no significant differences in self-reported QOL. Conclusions Self-reported health status, but not QOL, appears sensitive to the functional health issues experienced by ambulatory youth with CP. Pain management and psychosocial support may be indicated for them.
Label-free flow cytometry using multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS) for the analysis of biological specimens.

We present the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of a label-free flow cytometer for the analysis of biological specimens using multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS) and elastic scatter measurements. The MCARS system probes the Raman vibrational energy levels and the elastic scatter provides morphological information. We demonstrate these capabilities by probing a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 100 spectra/s and constructing a background-free Raman reconstruction using a Kramers–Kronig relation. A theoretical analysis shows that this system could operate at speeds of 10 kHz with appropriate hardware; thus facilitating integration into commercial flow cytometers or use as a high-speed, stand-alone device.
The effects of malnutrition on growth and mortality of the red rust flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) parasitized by Nosema whitei (Microsporidia: Nosematidae)

Abstract Groups of Tribolium castaneum larvae that had been reared on optimal diets or diets deficient in protein or cholesterol were infected with Nosema whitei in either the second or the fourth instar. Infected second-instar larvae reared on a semisynthetic diet with 10 parts protein were under more stress than similar larvae on 50 parts protein. Mortality was higher and death rate faster in the former. Cholesterol deficiencies were synergistic with the infection, as was manifested by the death rate of infected larvae reared without it. Mortality was relatively high in the uninfected larvae on the cholesterol-free diet, but the rate of death was slower than in infected larvae on the same diet. The difference between infected larvae on optimal diets and diets deficient in either protein or cholesterol was a difference in mortality, alone, because dietary deficiencies did not increase susceptibility to infection. The larvae were highly resistant to infection in the fourth instar and malnutrition (protein deficiencies and cholesterol deficiencies) had no effect on the resistance.
Lung myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulation of inflammation

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been investigated largely in the context of tumor progression. In contrast to the negative connotation of MDSCs in cancer immunity, our laboratory has recently reported on the development and role of pulmonary MDSC-like cells (CD11b(+)Gr1(int)F4/80(+)) in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation. These regulatory cells were expanded in a TLR4/MyD88-dependent manner and were both phenotypically and morphologically similar to those described in the tumor microenvironment. Although bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was initially described as an adjuvant in the development of allergic inflammation, subsequent studies showed that this is true only at relatively low doses of LPS. A high dose of LPS was shown to actually suppress eosinophilic airway inflammation. In our efforts to understand the mechanism underlying LPS-mediated suppression of allergic airway disease, we recently showed that LPS induces MDSC-like cells in the lung tissue in a dose-dependent manner, with increased accumulation of the cells at high doses of LPS. In contrast to lung dendritic cells (DCs), the MDSC-like cells did not traffic to the lung-draining lymph nodes, allowing them to act in a dominant fashion over DCs in the regulation of Th2 responses. The MDSC-like cells were found to blunt the ability of the lung DCs to upregulate GATA-3 or to promote STAT5 activation in primed Th2 cells, both transcription factors having critical roles in Th2 effector function. Thus, a complete understanding of the generation and regulation of the lung MDSCs would provide novel options for therapeutic interventions.
Population-based surveillance of services provided to counseling and prenatal clients in a multi-state region by state health departments: a proposal.

Population-based surveillance of services provided to counseling and prenatal clients in a multi-state region by state health departments: A proposal
Addition of Vancomycin to Cefazolin Prophylaxis Is Associated With Acute Kidney Injury After Primary Joint Arthroplasty

Background With increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty, some have advocated a dual-antibiotic regimen including vancomycin as prophylaxis against surgical site infections. However, routine administration of vancomycin may result in impaired renal functions in susceptible patients.
Reinventing the concepts of group and isomorphism: The case of Jessica and Sandra

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe the process by which a pair of undergraduate students, participating in a teaching experiment, reinvented (with guidance) the concepts of group and isomorphism beginning with an exploration of the symmetries of an equilateral triangle. The intent of this description is to highlight some important insights provided by an analysis of the students’ mathematical activity. First, the analysis resulted in the identification of a number of informal student strategies that anticipated the formal concepts. Second, the analysis provided insight into how these strategies could be evoked. Third, the analysis provided insight into how these strategies could be leveraged to support the development of the formal concepts.
Replicase proteins as determinants of phloem-dependent long-distance movement of tobamoviruses in tobacco

The establishment of a systemic infection by a virus requires movement of viral progeny through the phloem. The extent to which viral components act as host-specific determinants of phloem-dependent movement is unknown. We have examined the roles that the sunn-hemp mosaic tobamovirus (SHMV) encoded proteins play as host-dependent determinants of phloem-dependent movement in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) to see what viral product mediates this process. SHMV moves from cell to cell in inoculated leaves of tobacco, but fails to establish a systemic infection characteristic of tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV). To determine if the SHMV coat protein (CP) alone or the SHMV movement protein (MP) and CP together are factors in establishing a systemic infection by SHMV in tobacco, the SHMV-CP gene was exchanged for the TMV-CP gene in two full-length TMV cDNA clones (pTSCP and pTSCP47) and a full-length TMV cDNA clone containing a defective TMV-MP gene (pTMfSCP47). RNA transcripts from pTSCP and pTSCP47 or pTMfSCP47 efficiently induced systemic infections in tobacco or transgenic tobacco plants expressing the SHMV-MP gene, respectively. The data indicate that the SHMV CP or SHMV MP and CP together can function to establish a systemic infection, inferring that the replication-associated proteins of SHMV may be determinants of phloem-dependent movement in tobacco.
Multiple-vacancy production in the independent-Fermi-particle model

Measurements of $K$ x-ray (or Auger) satellite intensities produced by ion impact have yielded ${K}^{u}{L}^{v}$ multiple-vacancy distributions which in most cases are nearly binomial. This implies that, statistically, the holes are nearly independent, which is surprising in view of the known influence of correlations on other collision processes. We give a detailed derivation of general expressions for ion-induced multiple-vacancy distributions in the independent-Fermi-particle collision model, based on the Hartree-Fock description of the target, which contains Pauli correlations. Our coupled-channels calculations employing these expressions have shown that the electron exchange terms tend to mutually cancel because of "random" phases, but need not cancel when a single channel, such as a resonant electron capture, is dominant.
Structural design considerations for the beam transmission optical system

The paper describes the JPL study leading to a baseline design of the Beam Transmission Optical System (BTOS), designed for the delivery of laser energy from earth to space targets. The study identified the driving environmental and functional requirements; developed a conceptual design of the BTOS telescope; and performed static, thermal distortion, and model analyses to verify that these requirements are met. The study also identified major areas of concern which should be investigated further.