cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deletion of Rbpj from postnatal endothelium leads to abnormal arteriovenous shunting in mice

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are tortuous vessels characterized by arteriovenous (AV) shunts, which displace capillaries and shunt blood directly from artery to vein. Notch signaling regulates embryonic AV specification by promoting arterial, as opposed to venous, endothelial cell (EC) fate. To understand the essential role of endothelial Notch signaling in postnatal AV organization, we used inducible Cre-loxP recombination to delete Rbpj, a mediator of canonical Notch signaling, from postnatal ECs in mice. Deletion of endothelial Rbpj from birth resulted in features of AVMs by P14, including abnormal AV shunting and tortuous vessels in the brain, intestine and heart. We further analyzed brain AVMs, as they pose particular health risks. Consistent with AVM pathology, we found cerebral hemorrhage, hypoxia and necrosis, and neurological deficits. AV shunts originated from capillaries (and possibly venules), with the earliest detectable morphological abnormalities in AV connections by P8. Prior to AV shunt formation, alterations in EC gene expression were detected, including decreased Efnb2 and increased Pai1, which encodes a downstream effector of TGFβ signaling. After AV shunts had formed, whole-mount immunostaining showed decreased Efnb2 and increased Ephb4 expression within AV shunts, suggesting that ECs were reprogrammed from arterial to venous identity. Deletion of Rbpj from adult ECs led to tortuosities in gastrointestinal, uterine and skin vascular beds, but had mild effects in the brain. Our results demonstrate a temporal requirement for Rbpj in postnatal ECs to maintain proper artery, capillary and vein organization and to prevent abnormal AV shunting and AVM pathogenesis.
Common-reflection-point migration velocity analysis of 2D P-wave data from TTI media

ABSTRACTWe have developed a common-reflection-point (CRP)-based kinematic migration velocity analysis for 2D P-wave reflection data to estimate the four transversely isotropic (TI) parameters VPo, δ, and e, and the tilt angle ϕ of the symmetry axis in a TI medium. In each iteration, the tomographic parameter was updated alternately with prestack anisotropic ray-based migration. Iterations initially used layer stripping to reduce the number of degrees of freedom; after convergence was reached, a couple of more iterations over all parameters and all CRPs ensured global interlayer coupling and parameter interaction. The TI symmetry axis orientation was constrained to be locally perpendicular to the reflectors. The VPo dominated the inversion, and so it was weighted less than δ and e in the parameter updates. Estimates of δ and e were influenced if the error in ϕ was >5°; estimates of VPo were also influenced if the error in ϕ was >10°. Examples included data for a simple model with a homogeneous TI layer who...
A 72-Year-Old Woman with Markedly Increased Ferritin

A 72-year-old woman with a history of adult-onset Still disease and congestive heart failure was transferred from an outside hospital. She had a 2-week history of fevers, diarrhea, nausea, sore throat, and myalgias. At presentation, she had a markedly increased plasma ferritin concentration [238 380 ng/mL (reference intervals shown in Table 1)], low hemoglobin …
Efficient implementation of Capon and APES for spectral estimation

Both the Capon and APES estimators can be shown to belong to the class of matched-filterbank spectral estimators and can be used to obtain complex spectral estimates that have more narrow spectral peaks and lower sidelobe levels than the fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods. It can also be shown that APES has better statistical performance than Capon. In this paper, we address the issue of how to efficiently implement Capon and APES for spectral estimation.
Open Tube Resonators For Millimeter/Submillimeter-Wave Surface Resistivity Measurements

We present a novel technique for the measurement of surface resistivity using whispering gallery modes in an open cylindrical resonator. Preliminary results for copper at 140 GHz and application to high Tc superconductors will be presented.
Evaluating Education Information Systems: Implementation of Longitudinal Student Data Systems in Six School Districts

Education reformers are currently spending significant resources and effort advocating for school districts to adopt integrated, longitudinal computer systems. They hope the systems will help teachers understand their students as well as adapt their teaching methods. Additionally, they argue higher-quality data will help administrators and policymakers determine if schools are successful. This paper describes the experiences of six districts as they adopted education information systems, discusses emergent themes based on their cases, and explores implications for policymakers and school leaders.
Concurrent Quantitative Conductivity and Mechanical Properties Measurements of Organic Photovoltaic Materials using AFM

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials are inherently inhomogeneous at the nanometer scale. Nanoscale inhomogeneity of OPV materials affects performance of photovoltaic devices. Thus, understanding of spatial variations in composition as well as electrical properties of OPV materials is of paramount importance for moving PV technology forward.1,2 In this paper, we describe a protocol for quantitative measurements of electrical and mechanical properties of OPV materials with sub-100 nm resolution. Currently, materials properties measurements performed using commercially available AFM-based techniques (PeakForce, conductive AFM) generally provide only qualitative information. The values for resistance as well as Young's modulus measured using our method on the prototypical ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PC61BM system correspond well with literature data. The P3HT:PC61BM blend separates onto PC61BM-rich and P3HT-rich domains. Mechanical properties of PC61BM-rich and P3HT-rich domains are different, which allows for domain attribution on the surface of the film. Importantly, combining mechanical and electrical data allows for correlation of the domain structure on the surface of the film with electrical properties variation measured through the thickness of the film.
Reusing Software to Build Data Processing Systems: NPP Science Data Segment Case Study

Over the years, numerous large and complex information systems have been created to store, process, and disseminate vast volumes of remotely-sensed Earth science data. These systems have the potential to be reused to process similar data from other missions or instruments, reducing risk, schedule, and associated development cost for future projects.
Common Features of Segregation Distortion in Plants and Animals

Segregation distortion is increasingly recognized as a potentially powerful evolutionary force. This runs counter to the perception that non-Mendelian genes are rare genetic curiosities, a view that seems to be supported by the near ubiquity of the Mendelian system of inheritance. There are several reasons why segregation distortion may be more important than is evidenced by known empirical examples. One possibility is that the types of segregation distorters we have found are only a subset of a broader range of non-Mendelian systems, many of which go undetected. In this paper, we review what is known about the sex-linked meiotic drive system in the plant, Silene latifolia, and present some data on the mechanism of segregation distortion. We outline the general features that segregation distorters in plants and animals have in common. In some cases, such as the paucity of systems that directly alter meiotic segregation, there are likely to be inherent constraints on the range of systems that can possibly occur. Other generalities, however, support the notion that many forms of meiotic drive are possible, and that the known examples of segregation distortion are likely to be only subset of those that can possibly occur. Non-Mendelian genes may therefore have greater evolutionary importance than their current abundance in nature would suggest.
Optical negative-index metamaterials

Artificially engineered metamaterials are now demonstrating unprecedented electromagnetic properties that cannot be obtained with naturally occurring materials. In particular, they provide a route to creating materials that possess a negative refractive index and offer exciting new prospects for manipulating light. This review describes the recent progress made in creating nanostructured metamaterials with a negative index at optical wavelengths, and discusses some of the devices that could result from these new materials.
The agglomeration dynamics of self-interstitials in growing Czochralski silicon crystals

Silicon single crystals grown by the Czochralski process can contain various defects known as microdefects, formed by the agglomeration of vacancies and self-interstitials (or interstitials). The dynamics of the formation of interstitial-type microdefects is studied. Interstitials form globular clusters called B defects, which, upon sufficient growth, transform into the large dislocation loops known as A defects. A growing crystal exhibits a nucleation and growth zone, in which, at any given time, interstitials agglomerate to form B defects, B defects grow and transform into A defects, and A defects grow in size. The growth of the formed microdefects decreases the interstitial supersaturation and suppresses the formation of new microdefects. By suddenly decreasing the temperature of the active nucleation and growth zone, the linear sizes of the relatively larger agglomerated A defects can be frozen, and smaller B and A defects in higher densities can be formed, facilitated by a rapid increase in the interstitial supersaturation. The co-existence of both B and A defects was experimentally verified, and the width of the nucleation and growth zone was characterized. The quantification of the rapid-cooled nucleation and growth zone provides insights into the formation and the growth of the interstitial microdefects in particular and defect dynamics in general.
Isospora Belli Infection in Australia

Summary A case of Isospora belli infection is described in an Australian born man who had returned to Australia from a 6 mth visit to Asia. Medlars search showed that this is the first case reported in the Australian medical literature. However, several cases have been recognized earlier in Queensland Aborigines by one of the authors (T.B.),
Do Preschool Programs Affect Social Disadvantage? What Social Workers Should Know

The majority of children from lower income families enter elementary school well behind their peers in reading, math, and general knowledge. Poor academic achievement in the early grades is associated with a range of social problems such as failure to complete high school, increased risk of unintended pregnancy, increased criminal activity, and insufficient wages. There has been a steady increase in the number of publicly funded preschool programs designed to help children from a range of disadvantaged backgrounds develop school readiness skills. Social work has been minimally involved in preschool programs, even as policymaker interest and public support for these programs have grown. This article reviews the outcomes research on preschool intervention programs and discusses the implications of this research for social work policy advocates and practitioners.
PNEUMONIC LESIONS MADE BY INTRABRONCHIAL INSUFFLATION OF NON-VIRULENT PNEUMOCOCCI

The intrabronchial insufflation of a non-virulent pneumococcus causes, like the insufflation of a virulent pneumococcus, the development of an exudate in the lungs which, in general, leaves the framework unaffected, and the lesion presents the gross appearance of a lobar pneumonia. It differs, however, materially from the pneumonia produced by virulent pneumococci in the important points that the consolidation tends to a more rapid resolution, the disease is non-fatal, the blood is not invaded by the organism, and the exudate is strikingly poor in fibrin. As to the question which was the starting point for the foregoing investigation, namely, whether the pneumonic lesion produced by the streptococcus is merely a form of pneumonia caused by a less virulent organism, it may be answered for the dog, it seems, in the negative. The leucocytic infiltration of the framework of the lungs which occurs invariably in streptococcus pneumonia, and which is practically absent in the lesions caused by the virulent as well as by the non-virulent pneumococcus, is a strong enough feature to form a dividing line between the two forms of experimental pneumonia previously described.
In-Line Waveguide Calorimeter For High-Power Measurement

The static in-line calorimeter measures the temperature rise in the walls of a waveguide caused by the attenuation of microwave power flowing through the waveguide. It is simple and inexpensive and can be constructed so that it will fit on waveguide already existing in a microwave system. The device should be reliable because it uses no active circuitry. In addition, few mechanical problems are encountered in its use because the existing waveguide need not be altered. The theory of the device is developed, and two experimental S-band calorimeters using stainless steel waveguide and resistance-wire bridge temperature indicators are described. The measured sensitivity and time constant for both units fall within the experimental error of confirming the theoretically predicted figures.
Interaction-enhanced magnetically ordered insulating state at the edge of a two-dimensional topological insulator

We develop a theory of the correlated magnetically ordered insulating state at the edge of a two-dimensional topological insulator. We demonstrate that the gapped spin-polarized state, induced by the application of the magnetic field $B$, is naturally facilitated by electron interactions, which drive the critical easy-plane ferromagnetic correlations in the helical liquid. As the key manifestation, the gap $\mathbit{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ in the spectrum of collective excitations, which carry both spin and charge, is enhanced and exhibits a scaling dependence $\mathbit{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\propto}{B}^{1/(2\ensuremath{-}K)}$, controlled by the Luttinger liquid parameter $K$. This scaling dependence could be probed through the activation behavior $G\ensuremath{\sim}({e}^{2}/h)\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\mathbit{\ensuremath{\Delta}}/T)$ of the longitudinal conductance of a Hall-bar device at lower temperatures, providing a straightforward way to extract the parameter $K$ experimentally. Our findings thus suggest that the signatures of the interaction-driven quantum criticality of the helical liquid could be revealed already in a standard Hall-bar measurement.
Improving Quality Measurement for Anticoagulation Adding International Normalized Ratio Variability to Percent Time in Therapeutic Range

Background—Among patients receiving warfarin, percent time in therapeutic range (TTR) and international normalized ratio (INR) variability predict adverse events individually. Here, we examined what is added to the prediction of adverse events by using both measures together. Methods and Results—We included 40 404 patients anticoagulated for atrial fibrillation, aged 65+, within the Veterans Health Administration. TTR and log-transformed INR variability were calculated for each patient. Our study outcomes were ischemic stroke and major bleeding, defined using International Classification of Diseases-9 codes. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for the study outcomes using 3 nested Cox regression models, including (1) TTR or log INR variability separately; (2) TTR and log INR variability together; and (3) both predictors together plus an interaction term. We divided TTR into 3 categories (high, >70%; moderate, 50% to 70%; low, <50%) and log INR variability into 2 categories (stable and unstable). The refe...
Cellular microvesicle pathways can be targeted to transfer genetic information between non-immune cells.

Eukaryotic cell communication is based on protein signaling cascades that require direct cell-cell apposition, or receptor engagement by secreted molecules. The transmission of genetic information is thought to be uncommon, apart from recent reports of exosomal RNA transfer in immune and glioblastoma cells. We wished to examine if existing microvesicle pathways could be directly targeted for the horizontal transfer of RNA genomes in less specialized cell types. Using replication-deficient retrovirus vector, studies herein confirm that a range of cells routinely sequester a small population of these RNA genomes in a non-canonical compartment, refractory to antibody neutralization and unaffected by specific pharmacological inhibition of pathways involved in conventional viral trafficking. Our experiments further reveal the cytoplasmic colocalization of vector genomes with tetraspanin proteins as well as the PI-3-kinase sensitive trafficking and subsequent transmission to 2° targets. Collectively, our results indicate a scalable process whereby cells route vector genomes to multivesicular bodies (MVB) for cytoplasmic trafficking and exosomal release. Our findings imply that cells can serve to deliver recombinant payload, targeted for the stable genetic modification of 2° target cells.
Interdisciplinary approach to esophageal replacement and major airway reconstruction.

Abstract Purpose Severe esophageal disease warranting replacement often presents with additional airway anomalies in children. Colon interposition and airway reconstruction have separately proven successful in attaining satisfactory outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine outcomes associated with an interdisciplinary approach to care of the patient with complex esophageal and airway disease. Methods After IRB approval, a retrospective cohort study was performed spanning 2011 through 2015. Eleven patients underwent colon interposition and airway surgery. Review of medical records was performed, extracting patient demographics, clinical and operative courses and outcomes. Results The mean age of patients was 44months (range 2–108). 91% (n=10) were transferred to our institution with primary diagnoses of caustic ingestion (45%, n=5), long gap esophageal atresia (27% n=3), tracheoesophageal fistula (18%, n=2) and necrotizing pharyngitis (9% n=1). All patients had associated airway anomalies. Pulmonology, gastroenterology and speech therapy were involved in preoperative evaluation and postoperative care of all patients. Intraoperatively, a multi-team approach was utilized. The most common postoperative complication was esophageal stricture (54%, n=6). All patients are capable of taking some to full nutrition per orum. Conclusion Colonic interposition with major airway reconstruction at our institution attains satisfactory functional results through utilization of a multidisciplinary approach.
Comparative effects of anesthetic agents on incidence of ventricular fibrillation during hypothermia.

SummaryThe terminal cardiac events of 31 hypothermic dogs, 6 to 12 months old, were observed. Eleven animals received cyclopropane and 10 each received ether and pentobarbital sodium as the pre-hypothermic anesthetic agents. All animals were hyperventilated with oxygen after intubation until the experiments were terminated. Rectal temperatures were continuously observed and electrocardiograms were taken at frequent intervals as the dogs were cooled until cardiac activity ceased. No surgical procedures were carried out. Eight of 11 animals receiving cyclopropane, 2 of 10 receiving ether, and none of 10 receiving pentobarbital died in ventricular fibrillation. The mean rectal temperature of animals on cyclopropane or ether dying of ventricular fibrillation was 19°C. The mean rectal temperatures of all the deaths after the use of cyclopropane was 16.7°, after ether, 13.4°, and after pentobarbital sodium, 11.3°.
A SAXS Study of Aggregation in the Synergistic TBP–HDBP Solvent Extraction System

The macroscopic phase behaviors of a solvent system containing two extractants, tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and di-n-butyl phosphoric acid (HDBP) in n-dodecane, were investigated through use of liquid–liquid extraction and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. Five organic solutions, each containing a total extractant concentration (TBP + HDBP) of 1 M in varying molar ratios (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 [TBP]:[TBP + HDBP]), were contacted with 0.2 M HNO3 aqueous solutions without and with dysprosium(III) at a concentration of 10–4 M. An enhancement of the extraction of Dy3+—due to effects of synergism arising from the binary combination of extractants—was observed. SAXS data were collected for all solution compositions from 0 to 1 mol-fraction end ratios of TBP after contact with the acidic aqueous solutions both in the absence and presence of Dy as well as for the organic phases before aqueous contact. In the precontacted solutions, no notable changes in the SAXS data were observed upon combin...
The Effect of False Vocal Folds on Laryngeal Flow Resistance in a Tubular Three-dimensional Computational Laryngeal Model.

Summary Objective The current study used a three-dimensional (3D) computational laryngeal model to investigate the effect of false vocal folds (FVFs) on laryngeal flow resistance. Method A 3D, tubular shaped computational laryngeal model was designed with a high level of realism with respect to the human laryngeal anatomy. Two cases, one with the FVFs and the other without the FVFs, were created in the numerical simulation to compare the laryngeal flow behaviors. Results and Conclusion The results were discussed in a comparative manner with the previous two-dimensional (2D) computational model. On the one hand, the results demonstrated the similar mechanism as observed in the 2D model that the presence of the FVFs suppressed the deflection of the glottal jet and in doing so, reduced the mixing-related minor loss in the supraglottal region. On the other hand, the 3D flow was more stable and straighter, so the effect of FVFs on suppressing the jet deflection in the 3D model was not as prominent as in the 2D model. Furthermore, the presence of the FVFs also increased the friction-related major loss due to the increased velocity gradient in the restricted flow channel. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the final effect of the FVFs on flow resistance is the combined effect of the reduced mixing-related minor loss and increased friction-related major loss, both of which are highly related to the gap between the FVFs.
Flow rate distribution of the non-steady flow of second-order fluid in eccentric annulus with the inner cylinder reciprocating axially

The governing equation of the unsteady flow of second order fluid in eccentric annulus with the inner cylinder reciprocating axially under bipolar coordinate system and the expression of instantaneous flow rate were introduced in this paper. On the basis of numerically solving the governing equation by the finite volume method, the instantaneous flow rate of the non-steady flow of HPAM aqueous solution, which can be considered as the second-order fluid, in eccentric annulus with the inner cylinder reciprocating axially, was numerically calculated, using the expression of instantaneous flow rate. The curves of instantaneous flow rate distribution were plotted; the influences of the stroke and the frequency of the inner cylinder and the influence of the eccentricity of annulus on the instantaneous flow rate distribution were analyzed; the flow rate distribution of second-order fluid was compared with that of Newtonian fluid and power-law fluid. The results showed: the influences of the stroke and the frequency of the inner cylinder and the eccentricity of the annulus on the instantaneous flow rate distribution were obvious; under the condition of the same stroke, frequency and eccentricity, the differences of the instantaneous flow rate distribution among second order fluid, power law fluid and Newton fluid were obvious.
Comparing of Complications of Inguinal Hernia Repair Using Prolene Hernia System.

Purpose: A tension-free hernia repair using mesh is considered the standard method. A prolene hernia system (PHS) is a more recently introduced hernia-repair device in Korea. We compared complications of beginners` PHS operation with those of experts in our department. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 448 cases of herniorrhaphy using PHS from December 2002 to August 2007. We compared complication of 150 early cases and 150 late cases. Results: There were 394 male and 54 female patients with ages 19 to 82: 321 indirect, 83 direct, 7 femoral, 4 pantaloon hernias. The most frequent complication of PHS repair was hematoma and wound swelling. The 150 early cases` complications included 7 hematoma and 9 wound swelling. The 150 late cases` complications included 7 hematoma and 8 wound swelling. There was no difference between early and late complications. Conclusion: In comparing complications of 150 early and late cases, there was no difference. (J Korean Surg Soc 2009;76:115-118)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for pediatric choledocholithiasis: Assessing the need for endoscopic intervention.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for pediatric choledocholithiasis: Assessing the need for endoscopic intervention
The Breakdown and Coming Together

Some time in October, 2010. I have read an early draft of Kent’s dissertation. The product is still incomplete, missing several technical details that a dissertation should contain. And there is still the issue of who Kent is in relation to Angie, still unexplored. We meet at a local barbecue joint, because that is the sort of thing one does if one is in South Texas.
Single-cell RNA-Seq of Defined Subsets of Retinal Ganglion Cells

The discovery of cell type-specific markers can provide insight into cellular function and the origins of cellular heterogeneity. With a recent push for the improved understanding of neuronal diversity, it is important to identify genes whose expression defines various subpopulations of cells. The retina serves as an excellent model for the study of central nervous system diversity, as it is composed of multiple major cell types. The study of each major class of cells has yielded genetic markers that facilitate the identification of these populations. However, multiple subtypes of cells exist within each of these major retinal cell classes, and few of these subtypes have known genetic markers, although many have been characterized by morphology or function. A knowledge of genetic markers for individual retinal subtypes would allow for the study and mapping of brain targets related to specific visual functions and may also lend insight into the gene networks that maintain cellular diversity. Current avenues used to identify the genetic markers of subtypes possess drawbacks, such as the classification of cell types following sequencing. This presents a challenge for data analysis and requires rigorous validation methods to ensure that clusters contain cells of the same function. We propose a technique for identifying the morphology and functionality of a cell prior to isolation and sequencing, which will allow for the easier identification of subtype-specific markers. This technique may be extended to non-neuronal cell types, as well as to rare populations of cells with minor variations. This protocol yields excellent-quality data, as many of the libraries have provided read depths greater than 20 million reads for single cells. This methodology overcomes many of the hurdles presented by Single-cell RNA-Seq and may be suitable for researchers aiming to profile cell types in a straightforward and highly efficient manner.
Seed Germination of Intermountain Penstemons as Influenced by Stratification and GA3 Treatments

Abstract Propagation of the genus Penstemon for use in landscape horticulture has been handicapped by a lack of understanding of seed dormancy and a practical method for breaking dormancy for numerous species. The extent of dormancy in seeds of 27 wild populations of Penstemon representing 16 Intermountain species was investigated by subjecting seeds to stratification (moist prechilling) of 2 to 16 weeks at 2°C (36°F) and varying concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3). Germination varied from 0 to 88% for non-treated seeds and from 13 to 100% for seeds treated with 250 ppm GA3. Collections from 10 species required 12 or more weeks of stratification for complete germination. Three species exhibited reduced germination after stratification when compared to the non-chilled control. Gibberellic acid significantly reduced the stratification requirement of seeds for the more dormant species. Concentrations of 150, 250, and 500 ppm GA3 were equally effective in breaking dormancy for most species. The considera...
Acute and Chronic Increases of Circulating FSTL1 Normalize Energy Substrate Metabolism in Pacing-Induced Heart Failure

Background FSTL1 (follistatin-like protein 1) is an emerging cardiokine/myokine that is upregulated in heart failure (HF) and is found to be cardioprotective in animal models of cardiac injury. We tested the hypothesis that circulating FSTL1 can affect cardiac function and metabolism under baseline physiological conditions and in HF. Methods and Results FSTL1 was acutely (10 minutes) or chronically (2 weeks) infused to attain clinically relevant blood levels in conscious dogs with cardiac tachypacing-induced HF. Dogs with no cardiac pacing and FSTL1 infusion served as control. 3 H-oleate and 14 C-glucose were infused to track the metabolic fate of free fatty acids and glucose. Cardiac uptake of lactate and ketone bodies and systemic respiratory quotient were also measured. HF caused a shift from prevalent cardiac and systemic fat to carbohydrate oxidation. Although acute FSTL1 administration caused minimal hemodynamic changes at baseline, in HF dogs it enhanced cardiac oxygen consumption and transiently reversed the changes in free fatty acid and glucose oxidation and systemic respiratory quotient. In HF, chronic FSTL1 infusion stably normalized cardiac free fatty acid, glucose, ketone body consumption, and systemic respiratory quotient, while moderately improving diastolic and contractile function. Consistently, FSTL1 prevented the downregulation of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase—a representative enzyme of the free fatty acid oxidation pathway. Complementary in vitro experiments in primary cardiac and skeletal muscle myocytes showed that FSTL1 stimulated oxygen consumption through AMPK (AMP-activated kinase) activation. Conclusions These findings support a novel function for FSTL1 and provide the first direct evidence that a circulating cardiokine/myokine can alter myocardial and systemic energy substrate metabolism, in vivo.
Misusing Sensory Channel to Attack Industrial Control Systems

Industrial control systems (ICS) are used to control and manage critical infrastructures and protecting these complex system and their interfaces, which can be exploited by internal and external attackers, are a vital security task. Sensors, as an interface device, are used by ICS to collect information about the physical environment and should be guarded against cyber attacks. This paper investigates how sensors can be used as a communication channel by hackers to send a malicious command and control into the ICS. Further, we examine how abusing sensory channel would lead to a data pattern, which can be detected by a proper signature-based intrusion detection system (IDS).
Cadaveric Study of Bone Tissue Temperature During Pin Site Drilling Using Fluoroptic Thermography.

BACKGROUND Using fluoroptic thermography, temperature was measured during pin site drilling of intact cortical human cadaver bone with a combination of 1-step drilling, graduated drilling, and 1-step drilling with irrigation of 5.0-mm Schanz pins. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 1440 revolutions per minute constant force drilling was used on tibial diaphyses while a sensor probe placed 0.5 mm adjacent to the drill hole measured temperature. Four drilling techniques on each of the tibial segments were performed: 3.5-mm drill bit, 5.0-mm Schanz pin, 5.0-mm Schanz pin in a 3.5-mm predrilled entry site, and 5.0-mm Schanz pin using irrigation. RESULTS One-step drilling using a 5.0-mm Schanz pin without irrigation produced a temperature that exceeded the threshold temperature for heat-induced injury in 5 of the 8 trials. With the other 3 drilling techniques, only 1 in 24 trials produced a temperature that would result in thermal injury. This difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.003). The use of irrigation significantly reduced the maximum bone tissue temperature in 1-step drilling of a 5.0-mm Schanz pin (P = 0.02). One-step drilling with a 3.5-mm drill bit achieved maximum temperature significantly faster than graduated drilling and drilling with irrigation using a 5.0-mm Schanz pin (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS One-step drilling with a 5.0-mm Schanz pin into cortical bone can produce temperatures that can lead to heat-induced injury. Irrigation alone can reduce the temperatures sufficiently to avoid damage. Predrilling can increase temperatures significantly, but the extent of any injury should be small.
Studying long term community dynamics using image processing

In most cases the longitudinal study of vegetation communities cannot be undertaken because of the extended time course needed for such an endeavor. However, in many parts of the world there are archives of aerial photographs extending 50 years into the past. With the appropriate image processing software and equipment, this historical sequence of photographs can be used to study community dynamics. This technique has recently been applied to the dynamics of oak woodland (Quercus agtifolia) in Southern California. This paper provides a description of the image processing system used in that study.
Applications of Network Bioinformatics to Cancer Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting microvessels. Excessive and insufficient angiogenesis has been associated with many diseases including cancer, age-related macular degeneration, ischemic heart, brain, and skeletal muscle diseases. In this book chapter, we focus on the biological networks associated with angiogenesis in cancer. We review diverse studies on angiogenesis networks, including angiogenic signaling and angiogenic switch networks, global angiogenesis protein-protein interaction networks, crosstalk among angiogenic pathways, and drug networks. This chapter is for readers who are interested in cancer systems biology and bioinformatics, especially in angiogenesis.
Quantifying variability in assessing the risk of early-age cracking in restrained concrete elements

Abstract Civil Engineers frequently perform calculations based on material properties that represent either the 'worst case' or the 'average' properties. While these approaches are extremely helpful in simplifying computations, they can fail to quantify how variability from different sources combines to influence the overall performance of the system. This paper describes two approaches to quantify the variation in residual stress development and the risk of cracking in concrete. First, the paper illustrates the use of a Monte Carlo simulation procedure to quantify the residual stresses and age of cracking for a restrained concrete element due to variability in material properties, environmental conditions, and construction procedures. Second, the paper illustrates how statistical analysis can be directly applied to the problem using an approach that is similar to that used in the design of steel structures (a Load and Resistance Factor Design approach). This paper begins with a short review of a model that computes residual stress development in a restrained concrete element. The paper then describes a Monte Carlo modeling approach that was added to the model to account for variability in materials, construction practices, and environmental conditions. The results show that even low variability in material inputs results in substantial scatter in the predicted time of cracking. An alternative approach to predict the time of cracking is then presented that is similar to the one used for the design of steel structures (Load and Resistance Factor Design - LRFD). The LRFD approach enables the computation of a reliability index β which can quantify a material's potential for cracking. The results indicate that, as one may expect, as the magnitude of shrinkage coefficient increases, the potential for failure increases. Results also show that when the free shrinkage is reduced to a sufficient level, cracking will no longer be observed. The LRFD method enables the level of shrinkage to be quantified and this can then be used in the development of mixture proportioning procedures for mixtures containing shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRA).
The art and science of surgery: Do the data support the banning of surgical skull caps?

Background Recommendations of the Joint Commission discourage the use of surgical skull caps in favor of bouffant or helmet headwear; however, data supporting such recommendations are limited and have been questioned in recent studies, as well as by our departmental and hospital leadership. At the end of December 2015, surgical caps were removed from our institution with the theoretic goal of decreasing surgical site infections. We aimed to assess the impact of this intervention on surgical site infection occurrence at our institution. Methods Using our institutional American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program General and Vascular procedure-targeted data, we identified patients undergoing any surgical procedure classified as clean or clean-contaminated during a 12-month period before and after implementation of the surgical headwear policy. Patients without complete 30-day follow-up were excluded. Cases with active infection at the time of operation were excluded. Vascular surgery operations were excluded because of the implementation of a separate intervention to decrease surgical site infections during the study period. Patients were grouped according to timing of the operation in relation to the policy change (12 months before or after). Descriptive statistics focused on proportions and adjusted logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of alternative headwear use with any type of surgical site infection. Models were adjusted for potential confounders that included demographics and clinical characteristics (age, sex, race or ethnicity, obesity, diabetes, steroid use, smoking status, cancer, urgency of the operation, and wound classification). Results A total of 1,901 patients underwent 1,950 procedures during the study period, with 767 (40%) before and 1,183 (60%) after the headwear policy measure was adopted. The most common procedures overall were colectomy (18%), pancreatectomy (13.5%), and ventral hernia repair (8.9%). The overall rate of any surgical site infection was 5.4%, with no difference before and after policy implementation (5.3% versus 5.5%; P = .81). Multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, race or ethnicity, obesity, diabetes, smoking status, steroid use, cancer diagnosis, and type of wound classification showed no association between implementation of this new policy and surgical site infections occurrence (odds ratio 1.12 [95% confidence interval 0.73–1.71]; P = .59). Conclusion In our institution, the strict implementation of bouffant or helmet headwear, with removal of skull caps from the operating room, was not associated with decreased surgical site infections for clean and clean-contaminated cases. Further evidence is required to assess the validity of this headwear guideline of the Joint Commission and support nationwide implementation of this policy.
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis diagnosed with radiography, CT, and bone scintigraphy

Abstract Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is rare disease characterized by accumulation of calcium phosphate microlithis in the alveoli. The pathogenesis relates to mutation in the gene SLC34A2 (solute carrier family 34 member 2) located on chromosome 4p15.2, which produces a defective sodium-phosphate cotransporter in alveolar epithelial type-2 cells, making these cells unable to clear phosphorus released during recycling of surfactant [1].
Towards Digital Manufacturing of Smart Multimaterial Fibers

Fibers are ubiquitous and usually passive. Optoelectronics realized in a fiber could revolutionize multiple application areas, including biosynthetic and wearable electronics, environmental sensing, and energy harvesting. However, the realization of high-performance electronics in a fiber remains a demanding challenge due to the elusiveness of a material processing strategy that would allow the wrapping of devices made in crystalline semiconductors, such as silicon, into a fiber in an ordered, addressable, and scalable manner. Current fiber-sensor fabrication approaches either are non-scalable or limit the choice of semiconductors to the amorphous ones, such as chalcogenide glasses, inferior to silicon in their electronic performance, resulting in limited bandwidth and sensitivity of such sensors when compared to a standard silicon photodiode. Our group substantiates a universal in-fiber manufacturing of logic circuits and sensory systems analogous to very large-scale integration (VLSI), which enabled the emergence of the modern microprocessor. We develop a versatile hybrid-fabrication methodology that assembles in-fiber material architectures typical to integrated microelectronic devices and systems in silica, silicon, and high-temperature metals. This methodology, dubbed “VLSI for Fibers,” or “VLSI-Fi,” combines 3D printing of preforms, a thermal draw of fibers, and post-draw assembly of fiber-embedded integrated devices by means of material-selective spatially coherent capillary breakup of the fiber cores. We believe that this method will deliver a new class of durable, low cost, pervasive fiber devices, and sensors, enabling integration of fabrics met with human-made objects, such as furniture and apparel, into the Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, it will boost innovation in 3D printing, extending the digital manufacturing approach into the nanoelectronics realm.
A Fair and Privacy-preserving Reservation Scheme for Charging Electric Vehicles

Enormous benefits are expected from Electric Vehicle (EV) which is a promising alternative to replace traditional gasoline car. However, the EV's cruising range is much shorter than the range offered by gasoline cars. Congestion at the charging stations is expected not only because of the frequent charging demands of EVs, but for the long time of charging batteries as well. In this paper, we propose a privacy-aware and fair reservation scheme for EVs charging scenarios. The drivers submit their reservation requests to the charging stations anonymously to protect their location privacy. To achieve fairness, a selfish driver should not be able to submit/authenticate many reservation requests to fill the charging queue for his own benefit. The EVs use an efficient anonymous credentials from bilinear pairings for anonymous authentication with the charging station to protect their privacy and K-times anonymous authentication to restrict a selfish driver from submitting many reservation request. Our evaluations show that the proposed scheme can efficiently preserve the drivers' privacy, secure the communication and achieve fairness with low communication and computation overhead.
Biomechanical analysis of common solid waste collection throwing techniques using OpenSim and an EMG-assisted solver.

Abstract The solid waste collection industry is one of the most common occupations resulting in low back pain (LBP). Lumbar peak joint reaction forces and peak and integrated moments are strong correlates of LBP. To investigate these risks, this study compared three common waste collection throwing techniques of varying lumbar symmetry: the symmetric (SYM) technique, the asymmetric fixed stance (AFS) technique, and the asymmetric with pivot (AWP) technique. Lumbar moments and joint reaction loads were computed for throwing garbage bags of 3, 7, and 11 kg to quantify the effects that technique and object weight have on LBP risk. LBP risk factors were computed using a full-body musculoskeletal model in OpenSim. Muscle activations were estimated using two methods: the EMG-assisted method, which included electromyography data in the solution, and the conventional static optimization method, which did not. The EMG-assisted method more accurately reproduced measured muscle activation, resulting in significantly larger peak compressive and shear forces (p
Patterns of hybridization and cryptic introgression among one- and four-needled pinyon pines.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pinyon pine hybridization is widely acknowledged, but the frequency of and contributors to such interspecific mating remain largely unstudied. Pinus quadrifolia has three to four needles per fascicle, suggesting that it is a result of hybridization between the five-needled P. juarezensis and the single-needled P. monophylla. In this study we address the taxonomic validity of P. juarezensis, the hybrid origin of P. quadrifolia and the presence of hybridization and intermediate morphology as a result of interspecific hybridization in this complex. METHODS We address these questions by combining a genomic and morphological approach. We generated 1868 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to detect genetic clusters using principal co-ordinates analyis, discriminant analysis of principal components, fastSTRUCTURE and ADMIXTURE analyses, and performed a morphological analysis of the leaves. KEY RESULTS We found that the five-needled pinyons did not differ genetically from the four-needled P. quadrifolia, reducing the status of P. juarezensis to P. quadrifolia. We also found no evidence that P. quadrifolia is of hybrid origin from P. juarezensis × P. monophylla but is instead a genetically distinct species with natural needle number variation that has yet to be explained. Hybridization does occur in this complex, but mostly between P. quadrifolia and P. californiarum, and less commonly between P. quadrifolia and P. monophylla. Interestingly, some hybrid derivatives were detected between both single-needled taxa, P. monophylla and P. californiarum, a hybrid combination that has not yet been proposed. Hybrids have intermediate morphology when they have similar genetic contributions from both parental species; however, when one parent contributes more, hybrid derivatives resemble the parent with higher genetic contribution, resulting in cryptic introgression. CONCLUSIONS Our detailed sampling across the distribution of this complex allows us to describe the patterns of hybridization among these taxa, resolves an ancient taxonomic conflict and provides insights into the challenges of exclusively using morphological traits when identifying these taxa with cryptic hybridization and variable morphology.
Nonlinear observability of unicycle multi-robot teams subject to nonuniform environmental disturbances

In this work, we consider the problem of localizing a team of robots, without access to direct pose measurements, under the influence of nonuniform environmental disturbances and measurement bias. Specifically, we are interested in the conditions under which teams remain range-only localizable when the environmental disturbances vary from robot to robot. We approach this problem through nonlinear observability and graph theory. After analyzing the system’s observability properties, we present theorems that identify the structural conditions under which the system maintains local weak observability. We demonstrate that rigid structures are important not only in defining multi-robot interactions, but also in characterizing the influence of nonuniform disturbances. We also give several example systems to cement intuition on the derived conditions. An observability-based planner is then presented that guides a subset of robots toward trajectories that are highly observable through finite-horizon optimization on robot headings. Simulations are then presented, along with an extended Kalman filter for state estimation, and a comparison to previous methods, to corroborate and demonstrate the results derived.