Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neutrophils Find Smoke Attractive

The altered activity of a neutrophil enzyme promotes the type of persistent lung inflammation seen in chronic pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Although neutrophils defend the lung against bacterial and viral infections, they also promote an inflammatory response that can lead to several lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. These diseases are difficult to treat with anti-inflammatory steroids (glucocorticoids) because they actually increase neutrophil survival. In addition, T helper 17 cells, which may drive neutrophilic inflammation in the lungs, respond poorly to glucocorticoids (1). So far, nonsteroid-based anti-inflammatory drugs that target neutrophilic inflammation have had limited use because of side effects (2). On page 90 of this issue, Snelgrove et al. (3) describe how a neutrophil enzyme, leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), controls inflammation, with implications for new therapeutic strategies to treat debilitating lung disorders.
Attitude and altitude control of a four-rotor hovercraft using sliding mode control with adaptive sliding surface

This paper presents a control algorithm used to control attitude and altitude of a four-rotor hovercraft developed at AIT, using sliding mode control with adaptive sliding surface technique. The craft is controlled to float in horizontal attitude at the desired heading direction and the desired floating height. The simulation results show that the proposed control algorithm can control the craft efficiently.
Complex Diel Cycles of Gene Expression in Coral-Algal Symbiosis

Rhythmically expressed genes in reef-building corals may be required to deal with oxidative stress and the coral-algal symbiosis. Circadian regulation of plant-animal endosymbioses is complicated by a diversity of internal and external cues. Here, we show that stress-related genes in corals are coupled to the circadian clock, anticipating major changes in the intracellular milieu. In this regard, numerous chaperones are “hard-wired” to the clock, effectively preparing the coral for the consequences of oxidative protein damage imposed by symbiont photosynthesis (when O2 > 250% saturation), including synexpression of antioxidant genes being light-gated. Conversely, central metabolism appears to be regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factor system in coral. These results reveal the complexity of endosymbiosis as well as the plasticity regulation downstream of the circadian clock.
Spin-Light Coherence for Single-Spin Measurement and Control in Diamond

Dressing-Up Diamond Defects The spin states of nitrogen vacancy defects in diamond are being explored as information carriers and memories in quantum information systems. Their long lifetimes, fast manipulation rates, and the ability to couple them to adjacent electronic and nuclear spins provide the necessary properties for implementation in solid-state quantum networks. To date, however, the readout of the spin state via photoluminescence, either directly or indirectly, results in the destruction of the spin state. Buckley et al. (p. 1212, published online 14 October; see the Perspective by Milburn) have formed a light-matter hybrid state in which the spin interacts with laser light to form a polariton state. This hybrid state can be optically probed to produce a nondestructive measurement and manipulation technique for the spin state of the nitrogen-vacancy center. Optical pulses were used to nondestructively probe and manipulate the spin state of nitrogen vacancy defects in diamond. The exceptional spin coherence of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond motivates their function in emerging quantum technologies. Traditionally, the spin state of individual centers is measured optically and destructively. We demonstrate dispersive, single-spin coupling to light for both nondestructive spin measurement, through the Faraday effect, and coherent spin manipulation, through the optical Stark effect. These interactions can enable the coherent exchange of quantum information between single nitrogen-vacancy spins and light, facilitating coherent measurement, control, and entanglement that is scalable over large distances.
Pitch-angle feedback control of a Biologically Inspired flapping-wing microrobot

This paper presents the first experimental results on pitch-angle control of a flapping-wing microrobot. First, we describe a control method by which torques can be modulated to change the pitch orientation of the microrobot. The suitability of the proposed method is demonstrated through hardware-in-the-loop experiments, employing a static experimental setup capable of measuring instantaneous torques produced by enforced flapping patterns. Then, using the information learned from the static hardware-in-the-loop experiments, controlled pitch rotation experiments are performed. The pitch-angle is measured using a motion capture system. Compelling results are presented to validate the chosen approach.
The Deglacial Evolution of North Atlantic Deep Convection

Radiocarbon data reveal changes in the timing and strength of deep ocean convection during the last glacial termination. Deepwater formation in the North Atlantic by open-ocean convection is an essential component of the overturning circulation of the Atlantic Ocean, which helps regulate global climate. We use water-column radiocarbon reconstructions to examine changes in northeast Atlantic convection since the Last Glacial Maximum. During cold intervals, we infer a reduction in open-ocean convection and an associated incursion of an extremely radiocarbon (14C)–depleted water mass, interpreted to be Antarctic Intermediate Water. Comparing the timing of deep convection changes in the northeast and northwest Atlantic, we suggest that, despite a strong control on Greenland temperature by northeast Atlantic convection, reduced open-ocean convection in both the northwest and northeast Atlantic is necessary to account for contemporaneous perturbations in atmospheric circulation.
Propane Respiration Jump-Starts Microbial Response to a Deep Oil Spill

Diving into Deep Water The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was one of the largest oil spills on record. Its setting at the bottom of the sea floor posed an unanticipated risk as substantial amounts of hydrocarbons leaked into the deepwater column. Three separate cruises identified and sampled deep underwater hydrocarbon plumes that existed in May and June, 2010—before the well head was ultimately sealed. Camilli et al. (p. 201; published online 19 August) used an automated underwater vehicle to assess the dimensions of a stabilized, diffuse underwater plume of oil that was 22 miles long and estimated the daily quantity of oil released from the well, based on the concentration and dimensions of the plume. Hazen et al. (p. 204; published online 26 August) also observed an underwater plume at the same depth and found that hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were enriched in the plume and were breaking down some parts of the oil. Finally, Valentine et al. (p. 208; published online 16 September) found that natural gas, including propane and ethane, were also present in hydrocarbon plumes. These gases were broken down quickly by bacteria, but primed the system for biodegradation of larger hydrocarbons, including those comprising the leaking crude oil. Differences were observed in dissolved oxygen levels in the plumes (a proxy for bacterial respiration), which may reflect differences in the location of sampling or the aging of the plumes. Hydrocarbon gases were the first compounds that bacteria degraded in deep underwater petroleum plumes. The Deepwater Horizon event resulted in suspension of oil in the Gulf of Mexico water column because the leakage occurred at great depth. The distribution and fate of other abundant hydrocarbon constituents, such as natural gases, are also important in determining the impact of the leakage but are not yet well understood. From 11 to 21 June 2010, we investigated dissolved hydrocarbon gases at depth using chemical and isotopic surveys and on-site biodegradation studies. Propane and ethane were the primary drivers of microbial respiration, accounting for up to 70% of the observed oxygen depletion in fresh plumes. Propane and ethane trapped in the deep water may therefore promote rapid hydrocarbon respiration by low-diversity bacterial blooms, priming bacterial populations for degradation of other hydrocarbons in the aging plume.
Design of a smart insole for ambulatory assessment of gait

In this paper, we present the design and development of a smart insole that may be used to assess long term chronic conditions that affect the elderly population such as Stroke, Dementia, Parkinson's disease, Cancer, Cardiac Disease and Diabetes. This smart insole offers the potential for evidence base rehabilitation. The ICT solution detect the plantar foot pressure in a free living context through the integration of piezo sensors, microcontroller and Bluetooth technology to empirically measure the pressure at important pressure points. The insole consists of 32 piezo sensors, 01 tri-axial accelerometers, temperature sensor and force sensor to automatically switch ON/OFF the insole. The accelerometers provide context for orientation. The design comprises two flexible PCBs encased in a padded layer, in order to protect the sensors and provide comfort to wearer.
The Antiproliferative Action of Progesterone in Uterine Epithelium Is Mediated by Hand2

A progesterone-regulated transcription factor regulates stromal-epithelial communication in early pregnancy. During pregnancy, progesterone inhibits the growth-promoting actions of estrogen in the uterus. However, the mechanism for this is not clear. The attenuation of estrogen-mediated proliferation of the uterine epithelium by progesterone is a prerequisite for successful implantation. Our study reveals that progesterone-induced expression of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Hand2 in the uterine stroma suppresses the production of several fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) that act as paracrine mediators of mitogenic effects of estrogen on the epithelium. In mouse uteri lacking Hand2, continued induction of these FGFs in the stroma maintains epithelial proliferation and stimulates estrogen-induced pathways, resulting in impaired implantation. Thus, Hand2 is a critical regulator of the uterine stromal-epithelial communication that directs proper steroid regulation conducive for the establishment of pregnancy.
A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments for Use in Patients With Rotator Cuff Disease

Background: Many patient-reported outcome instruments (or questionnaires) have been developed for use in patients with rotator cuff disease. Before an instrument is implemented, its psychometric properties should be carefully assessed, and the methodological quality of papers that investigate a psychometric component of an instrument must be carefully evaluated. Together, the psychometric evidence and the methodological quality can then be used to arrive at an estimate of an instrument’s quality. Purpose: To identify patient-reported outcome instruments used in patients with rotator cuff disease and to critically appraise and summarize their psychometric properties to guide researchers and clinicians in using high-quality patient-reported outcome instruments in this population. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Systematic literature searches were performed to find English-language articles concerning the development or evaluation of a psychometric property of a patient-reported outcome instrument for use in patients with rotator cuff disease. Methodological quality and psychometric evidence were critically appraised and summarized through 2 standardized sets of criteria. Results: A total of 1881 articles evaluating 39 instruments were found per the search strategy, of which 73 articles evaluating 16 instruments were included in this study. The Constant-Murley score, the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index were the 3 most frequently evaluated instruments. In contrast, the psychometric properties of the Korean Shoulder Scoring System, Shoulder Activity Level, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder index were evaluated by only 1 study each. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was found to have the best overall quality of psychometric properties per the established criteria, with positive evidence found in internal consistency, reliability, content validity, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness. The DASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Simple Shoulder Test had good evidence in support of internal consistency, reliability, structural validity, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness. Inadequate methodological quality was found across many studies, particularly in internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness. Conclusion: More high-quality methodological studies should be performed to assess the properties in all identified instruments.
Effect of Posterolateral Bundle Graft Fixation Angles on Clinical Outcomes in Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: In double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, no consensus exists on an optimal setting for the posterolateral bundle (PLB) graft fixation angles. Hypothesis: Different PLB fixation angles would affect clinical outcomes in DB ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: This study prospectively included 90 patients who underwent primary DB ACL reconstruction with an autologous semitendinosus tendon. The PLB fixation angles were randomly set as follows: 0° of flexion (P0; n = 30), 20° (P20; n = 30), and 45° (P45; n = 30). In all groups, the anteromedial bundle was fixed at 20° of flexion. The following evaluation methods were used at the preoperative period and at 3, 6, and 9 months and 1 and 2 years after the surgery: clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurement, muscle strength, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and subjective rating scale regarding patient satisfaction and sports performance levels. Graft retear, contralateral ACL tear, and additional meniscus surgery were also recorded. Results: Seventy-five patients (P0, n = 25; P20, n = 26; P45, n = 24) who were followed for 2 years were evaluated. Preoperatively, there were no differences among the groups. Postoperatively, pivot-shift test results in the P0 and P20 groups were better than those in the P45 group (P0, n = 23 graded negative and 2 graded 1+; P20, n = 23 and 2; P45, n = 15 and 7, respectively; P0 vs P45: P = .038 and P20 vs P45: P = .038). Average KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements were better in the P20 group than in the P45 group (P0, 0.4 mm; P20, 0.3 mm; P45, 1.3 mm; P20 vs P45: P = .048), and there were more patients with graft failure (KT-1000 measurement, ≥4 mm) in the P45 group (n = 3) than the P0 and P20 groups (each, n = 0). There were no significant differences in range of motion, other laxity tests, muscle strength, Tegner score, Lysholm score, subjective rating scale, or additional surgery. Conclusion: In DB ACL reconstruction, when the anteromedial bundle was fixed at 20° of flexion, fixation of the PLB at 45° was worse than fixation at 0° and 20° with respect to anterior and rotational stability during the 2-year follow-up. KT-1000 arthrometer measurements and pivot-shift test results were significantly worse, and there were more patients with graft failure in the P45 group. There were no differences among groups in other findings.
CHANGES IN PLASMA IL-1β, TNF-α AND IL-6 AFTER TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN GENERAL OR REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA

Different anaesthetic methods influence the neuro-immuno-endocrine biologic responses to surgery and may thus possibly interfere with the postoperative course and development of complications. The neuroendocrine system is closely related to the cytokine network. In this study, the effects of general anaesthesia (n=6) and regional spinal/epidural anaesthesia (n=6) on the cytokine response (IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6) to uncemented total hip replacement surgery were evaluated. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful in every case. In both groups, only very low values of plasma IL-beta were measured perioperatively, whereas plasma IL-6 increased postoperatively with peak values 4 h after surgery. The changes in plasma TNF-alpha were not significant. No significant differences in plasma TNF-alpha or IL-6 were found between patients operated in general or in regional anaesthesia. This suggests minor influence of plasma cytokines on the possible beneficial effects of regional anaesthesia on the clinical course after surgery in low risk patients. There were slightly higher TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels after the operation and significantly lower cortisol levels during the operation in the regional anaesthesia group compared to the general anaesthesia group, giving rise to a significant inverse correlation between peak values of IL-6 and peak values of cortisol. This supports the theory that after surgery the inhibitory effect of cortisol on monocyte cytokine production overrides adrenergic stimulation.
Multi-device Key Management Using Visual Side Channels in Pervasive Computing Environments

In the modern connected world, pervasive computing has become reality. Thanks to the ubiquity of mobile computing devices and emerging cloud-based services, the users permanently stay connected to their data. This introduces a slew of new security challenges, including the problem of multi-device key management and single-sign-on architectures. One solution to this problem is the utilization of secure side-channels for authentication, including the visual channel as vicinity proof. However, existing approaches often assume confidentiality of the visual channel, or provide only insufficient means of mitigating a man-in-the-middle attack. In this work, we introduce \emph{QR-Auth}, a two-step, 2D barcode based authentication scheme for mobile devices which aims specifically at key management and key sharing across devices in a pervasive environment. It requires minimal user interaction and therefore provides better usability than most existing schemes, without compromising its security. We show how our approach fits in existing authorization delegation and one-time-password generation schemes, and that it is resilient to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Low-Loss Plasmonic Metamaterials

New materials are being developed that meet the requirements for nanoscale photonics. Metamaterials (MMs) are artificial, engineered materials with rationally designed compositions and arrangements of nanostructured building blocks. These materials can be tailored for almost any application because of their extraordinary response to electromagnetic, acoustic, and thermal waves that transcends the properties of natural materials (1–3). The astonishing MM-based designs and demonstrations range from a negative index of refraction, focusing and imaging with sub-wavelength resolution, invisibility cloaks, and optical black holes to nanoscale optics, data processing, and quantum information applications (3). Metals have traditionally been the material of choice for the building blocks, but they suffer from high resistive losses—even metals with the highest conductivities, silver and gold, exhibit excessive losses at optical frequencies that restrict the development of devices in this frequency range. The development of new materials for low-loss MM components and telecommunication devices is therefore required.
Cassini Finds an Oxygen–Carbon Dioxide Atmosphere at Saturn’s Icy Moon Rhea

Extraterrestrial Atmosphere The detection of oxygen in the atmospheres of Jupiter's icy moons, Europa and Ganymede, and the presence of this gas as the main constituent of the atmosphere that surrounds Saturn's rings, has suggested the possibility of oxygen atmospheres around the icy moons that orbit inside Saturn's magnetosphere. Using the Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer onboard the Cassini spacecraft, Teolis et al. (p. 1813, published online 25 November; see the Perspective by Cruikshank) report the detection of a very tenuous oxygen and carbon dioxide atmosphere around Saturn's icy moon Rhea. As with other icy satellites, this atmosphere is maintained through the dissociation of surface molecules and ejection into the atmosphere as a result of Saturn's magnetospheric radiation. Rhea’s atmosphere is maintained by chemical decomposition of surface water ice under irradiation from Saturn’s magnetosphere. The flyby measurements of the Cassini spacecraft at Saturn’s moon Rhea reveal a tenuous oxygen (O2)–carbon dioxide (CO2) atmosphere. The atmosphere appears to be sustained by chemical decomposition of the surface water ice under irradiation from Saturn’s magnetospheric plasma. This in situ detection of an oxidizing atmosphere is consistent with remote observations of other icy bodies, such as Jupiter’s moons Europa and Ganymede, and suggestive of a reservoir of radiolytic O2 locked within Rhea’s ice. The presence of CO2 suggests radiolysis reactions between surface oxidants and organics or sputtering and/or outgassing of CO2 endogenic to Rhea’s ice. Observations of outflowing positive and negative ions give evidence for pickup ionization as a major atmospheric loss mechanism.
Epidemiology of Overuse Injuries in Collegiate and High School Athletics in the United States

Background: Overuse injuries result from microtrauma due to repetitive loading combined with insufficient tissue recovery time and can result in both immediate and long-term time loss from sports. Hypothesis: Overuse injury rates and patterns differ across college and high school populations, sport, and sex. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Surveillance data for 16 sports from the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Injury Surveillance System (NCAA ISS; 2004-2005 through 2008-2009) and 14 sports from High School Reporting Information Online (High School RIO; 2006-2007 through 2012-2013) were analyzed. All reported injuries had an injury mechanism of overuse/gradual onset (college) or overuse/chronic (high school). Overuse injury incidence rates were calculated, and rate ratios with 95% CIs were used to compare subgroups. Results: The rate of overuse injury was 3.28 times higher in college than high school sports (95% CI, 3.12-3.44). The rate of overuse injury among sex-comparable sports was higher in female than male athletes in both populations (college rate ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16-1.35; high school rate ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.43-1.68). The lower extremity was the most commonly injured body site (college, 69.4%; high school, 70.4%). A larger proportion of overuse injuries among college athletes resulted in time loss of more than 21 days (college, 20.4%; high school, 7.7%) and surgery (college, 5.2%, high school, 2.5%). Conclusion: Overuse injuries can impose a significant burden on college and high school athletes. Interventions addressing prevention of overuse injury are needed.