cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Morphometry of Soft Tissue Insertions on the Tibial Plateau: Data Acquisition and Statistical Shape Analysis

This study characterized the soft tissue insertion morphometrics on the tibial plateau and their inter-relationships as well as variabilities. The outlines of the cruciate ligament and meniscal root insertions along with the medial and lateral cartilage on 20 cadaveric tibias (10 left and 10 right knees) were digitized and co-registered with corresponding CT-based 3D bone models. Generalized Procrustes Analysis was employed in conjunction with Principal Components Analysis to first create a geometric consensus based on tibial cartilage and then determine the means and variations of insertion morphometrics including shape, size, location, and inter-relationship measures. Step-wise regression analysis was conducted in search of parsimonious models relating the morphometric measures to the tibial plateau width and depth, and basic anthropometric and gender factors. The analyses resulted in statistical morphometric representations for Procrustes-superimposed cruciate ligament and meniscus insertions, and identified only a few moderate correlations (R2: 0.37–0.49). The study provided evidence challenging the isometric scaling based on a single dimension frequently employed in related morphometric studies, and data for evaluating cruciate ligament reconstruction strategies in terms of re-creating the native anatomy and minimizing the risk of iatrogenic injury. It paved the way for future development of computer-aided personalized orthopaedic surgery applications improving the quality of care and patient safety, and biomechanical models with a better population or average representation.
Effects of CO2 critical point drying on nanostructured SiO2 thin films after liquid exposure

article i nfo It is known that structured thin films (STF) grown using oblique angle deposition exhibit permanent struc- tural deformation when exposed to liquids. This is a major limitation because these films cannot be patterned using conventional wet lithographic processes. In this work, CO2 critical point drying (CPD) is demonstrated as a viable technique to maintain the film structure even after prolonged liquid exposure. Evaporative room temperature drying and CPD of SiO2 STF samples for two commonly used solvents in lithographic processing viz. acetone and ethanol have been compared. We find that the physical structure of the unexposed STF is similar to STF samples after liquid exposure and CPD technique.
Calculation of Direct Exchange Areas for Non-Uniform Zones

This paper presents a special transformation of variables to reduce a double integral into three single integrals and its use for calculating Direct Exchange Areas (DEA) in Zonal method. This technique was originally presented for calculation of DEA using a uniform zone system in a cylindrical enclosure. However, non-uniform zones are needed for applications with large thermal gradients. Thus we extended this technique to calculate the DEA for non-uniform zones in an axisymmetrical cylinder system. At least six times of saving in computational time was observed in calculating DEA compared with cases without transforming of variables. It is shown that accuracy and efficiency of estimation of radiation heat flux is improved when using a non-uniform zone system. Reasonable accuracy of all DEA are calculated without resorting to the conservative equations. Results compared well with analytical solutions and numerical results of previous researchers. A brief discussion of its application in calculating DEA in a 3-D rectangular enclosure is also provided.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Increasing Math Milieu Teaching by Varying Levels of Consultation Support: An Example of Analyzing Intervention Strength.

The current study used a single-case design to examine two performance feedback conditions varying in intensity on the frequency of naturalistic math instruction in preschool classrooms during non-instructional times (transition, lunch, free play). Three Head Start teachers received professional development that combined information on four math-oriented milieu teaching strategies (incidental teaching, time delay, mand model, and model), milieu teaching scripts, and goal setting. Teachers then received a feedback package of relatively higher intensity associated with a performance criterion followed by lower-intensity, continued support feedback package. Teachers increased the use of math-oriented milieu teaching strategies and positive attention across intervention conditions. In addition, two of the three teachers evidenced generalization of milieu teaching strategies across contexts and content areas. Results are discussed in terms of conceptualizations of intervention intensity and implications for practice, limitations, and future directions.
A three-dimensional stochastic model of the behavior of radionuclides in forests II. Cs-137 behavior in forest soils

Abstract Using a three-dimensional stochastic model of radionuclides in forests developed in Part I, this work simulates the long-term behavior of Cs-137 in forest soil. It is assumed that the behavior of Cs-137 in soils is driven by its advection and dispersion due to the infiltration of the soil solution, and its sorption to the soil matrix. As Cs-137 transport through soils is affected by its uptake and release by forest vegetation, a model of radiocesium behavior in forest vegetation is presented in Part III of this paper. To estimate the rate of infiltration of water through the soil, models are presented to estimate the hydrological cycle of the forest including infiltration, evapotranspiration, and the root uptake of water. The state transition probabilities for the random walk model of Cs-137 transport are then estimated using the models developed to predict the distribution of water in the forest. The random walk model is then tested using a base line scenario in which Cs-137 is deposited into a coniferous forest ecosystem.
Subcutaneous pedicle flaps on the face

Abstract Experience with 21 sliding and transposition subcutaneous pedicle flaps is presented. Their advantages include excellent colour and texture match, a negligible donor site deformity, and utilisation of tissue frequently discarded or easily available.
“How Can We Know the Dancer from the Dance?” Intention and the Preservation of Digital Objects

This article considers some of the issues created in the preservation of digital artifacts by the entanglement of object creator, mediating processes, and object viewer. This includes the relationship between format and software characterization, the sometimes complex manner in which software engineering practice, even best practice, complicates the use and intelligibility of software over the long term, and the need to preserve not just versions, but also variant renderings of the same version of an artifact.
Effect of temperature and shear rate on polyisoimide solution viscosity

The following models describe the effect of temperature and shear rate on the viscosity of polyisoimide solutions. Data was obtained for 20, 30, and 40% polyisoimide solutions in 20:80 tetrahydrofuran/diglyme and for a 30% solution in N-methyl-pyrrolidone at temperatures of 25°, 35°, 55°, and 75°C. The measurements were taken on a Brookfield cone and plate viscometer at shear rates ranging from 9.59 to 383.4 reciprocal seconds. Experimental data fits model (1) reasonably well. In some cases, model (2) provides a better fit. This model accounts for temperature dependencies in the power law shear-thinning exponent. The coefficients β depend on the material lot that is being tested even though the lot molecular weights are very close. Slight differences in acid functional group concentrations for this particular material are a possible explanation.
Temporal brightness enhancement studied with a large sample of observers: Evidence for individual differences in brightness perception

Brightness vs. duration relations were measured for 80 naive observers using a method in which a short pulse (10–500 msec) was compared to a pulse 500 msec longer in duration at the same luminance. Pulses were presented under two conditions of pulse asynchrony: simultaneous onset and simultaneous offset. Three classes of observers were found: Type A observers (57% of all observers) showed temporal brightness enhancement (the Broca-Sulzer effect) for both simultaneous onset and offset conditions. Type B observers (33% of the sample) showed brightness enhancement for simultaneous offset but not onset. Type C observers (10% of the sample) did not exhibit brightness enchancement under either asynchrony condition. The distribution of these classes was not affected by the specificity of instructions concerning the brightness judgment or by the sequencing (ordered vs. random) of stimuli. We analyze how these classes of observers might be explained either on the basis of differing neurophysiological mechanisms or responses or on the basis of differing psychophysical criteria. Further, we present a model of the data which illustrates how behaviorally distinct types of observers could be generated by continuous distributions within the general population of either perceptual criteria or neurophysiological responses.
Taxonomic system for robot selection in flexible manufacturing cells

Abstract Selecting production equipment for flexible manufacturing cells (FMC) has become more challenging due to the flexibility provided by production systems such as robots, automatic guided vehicles, and machining centers with multiple tool. This technical note considers a method of selection based on a taxonomic system that represents robots and various prospective operational tasks. Although the technique proposed here was initially designed for robotic applications, preliminary investigations have shown that a taxonomic approach is applicable to other production equipment as well. This method, in fact, simplifies the selection of equipment for flexible manufacturing cells.
Ultrasound-Guided Microinjection into the Mouse Forebrain In Utero at E9.5

In utero survival surgery in mice permits the molecular manipulation of gene expression during development. However, because the uterine wall is opaque during early embryogenesis, the ability to target specific parts of the embryo for microinjection is greatly limited. Fortunately, high-frequency ultrasound imaging permits the generation of images that can be used in real time to guide a microinjection needle into the embryonic region of interest. Here we describe the use of such imaging to guide the injection of retroviral vectors into the ventricular system of the mouse forebrain at embryonic day (E) 9.5. This method uses a laparotomy to permit access to the uterine horns, and a specially designed plate that permits host embryos to be bathed in saline while they are imaged and injected. Successful surgeries often result in most or all of the injected embryos surviving to any subsequent time point of interest (embryonically or postnatally). The principles described here can be used with slight modifications to perform injections into the amnionic fluid of E8.5 embryos (thereby permitting infection along the anterior posterior extent of the neural tube, which has not yet closed), or into the ventricular system of the brain at E10.5/11.5. Furthermore, at mid-neurogenic ages (~E13.5), ultrasound imaging can be used direct injection into specific brain regions for viral infection or cell transplantation. The use of ultrasound imaging to guide in utero injections in mice is a very powerful technique that permits the molecular and cellular manipulation of mouse embryos in ways that would otherwise be exceptionally difficult if not impossible.
Positive Allostery in Metal Ion Binding by a Cooperatively Folded β-Peptide Bundle

Metal ion binding is exploited by proteins in nature to catalyze reactions, bind molecules, and favor discrete structures, but it has not been demonstrated in β-peptides or their assemblies. Here we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a β-peptide bundle that uniquely binds two Cd(II) ions in a distinct bicoordinate array. The two Cd(II) ions bind with positive allosteric cooperativity and increase the thermodynamic stability of the bundle by more than 50 °C. This system provides a unique, synthetic context to explore allosteric regulation and should pave the way to sophisticated molecular assemblies with catalytic and substrate-sensing functions that have historically not been available to de novo designed synthetic proteomimetics in water.
Potential new neutrino physics at stopped-pion sources

Intense pulsed proton beams of ∼ 1GeV impinging on high - Z targets are intense sources of νμ from the (τ = 26ns) decay of π+, and νe and νμ and νe from the stopped ν+ decays. A pulse structure, narrow in time, allows the separation of reactions due to νμ from those from reactions involving νμ and νe. The energy spectra are in the energy range of interest to nuclear astrophysics. A number of possible experiments relevant to solar neutrinos, supernovae collapse, weak interactions in nuclei and intrinsic properties of neutrinos are discussed.
Cellular Mechanisms of Action for Freshwater Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Toxins

Acute lethal toxicity from cyanobacteria is caused by ingestion of toxic cells or toxins from certain freshwater/brackish water species of Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Nodularia, and Oscillatoria. The toxins include a related family of hepatotoxic cyclic hepta and pentapeptides, produced by strains of Anabaena, Microcystis, Nodularia, and Oscillatoria, termed microcystins or cyanoginosins, that contain both D and L amino acids plus two novel amino acids. These toxins appear to be taken up into the cell by bile acid carriers and exert their cell disaggregating effect by altering the cell’s cytoskeletal system. Species and strains of Anabaena produce at least two neurotoxins, termed anatoxins: one a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, the other an irreversible anticholinesterase. Strains of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae produce saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin the primary toxins in cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). These various toxins have intraperitoneal mouse LD50 values of 10–500 μg/ kg. Current research indicates that a third group of toxins with contact irritant properties are produced by some freshwater cyanobacteria. Indirect evidence indicates that one or all of these toxins are responsible for certain cases of human gastroenteritis and dermatitis from municipal and recreational water supplies.
Platelets Unplugged: An ATVB Special Series Focused on Platelet Biology

Series Editor: Susan S. Smyth ATVB in Focus Platelets Unplugged: Focus on Platelet Biology Articles in this series: •Smyth SS. Platelets unplugged: an ATVB special series focused on platelet biology. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2339–2340. •Li Z, Delaney MK, O'Brien KA, Du X. Signaling during platelet adhesion and activation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2341–2349. •Zimman A, Podrez EA. Regulation of platelet function by class B scavenger receptors in hyperlipidemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2350–2356. •Totani L, Evangelista V. Platelet-leukocyte interactions in cardiovascular disease and beyond. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2357–2361. •Jain S, Harris J, Ware J. Platelets: linking hemostasis and cancer. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2362–2367. •Bertozzi CC, Hess PR, Kahn ML. Platelets: covert regulators of lymphatic development. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2368–2371. •Williams MS, Weiss EJ, Sabatine MS, Simon DI, Bahou WF, Becker LC, Parise LV, Dauerman HL, French PA, Smyth SS, Becker RC. Genetic regulation of platelet receptor expression and function: application in clinical practice and drug development. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:2372–2384. …
Noise reactivity in three breeds of herding dogs: What the crossroads of demography, ethology, and genetics can tell us

The availability of a high quality draft sequence of the dog genome has changed the way geneticists study companion animals and how we are tackling the problem of finding genes that control complex traits. Of particular interest are genes controlling the morphologic differences that define different domestic dog breeds, genes regulating behavior, and those that increase disease susceptibility. Central to our ability to use the newly available resources is an understanding of dog breed structure. We present a detailed discussion of a new cluster analysis involving 132 American Kennel Club recognized breeds and varieties. The completion of this experiment has facilitated our efforts to map disease genes where the same pathologic disorder is present in a small number of breeds, but absent in the remaining majority. We will discuss the application of this approach to the problem of specific cancers occurring in small numbers of related breeds. Also important is an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the current molecular resources, and consideration of the traits that are likely to lend themselves to mapping using available approaches. We describe our recent efforts to localize genes important in controlling breed-defined fixed morphologic features. This study is built on the analysis of hundreds of dogs representing more than 75 breeds that were interrogated using the canine specific Affymetrix SNP chip that features 127,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Analysis of these data for association with breed fixed traits identifies loci for a variety of morphologic features including, but not limited to, body size and skeletal shape. As an example of the power of this approach, we present new data for loci controlling leg morphology and coat type.
Letter by Yamada and Kay Regarding Article, “Ventricular Arrhythmias Arising From the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Below the Aortic Sinus Cusps: Mapping and Catheter Ablation via Transseptal Approach and Electrocardiographic Characteristics”

We read with great interest the most recent publication by Dr Ouyang et al1 on the transseptal approach in catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) below the aortic sinus cusps (ASCs). We congratulate the authors for their interesting findings obtained during mapping and catheter ablation of VAs arising from the LVOT below the ASCs via an antegrade transseptal approach, although this approach was reported previously.2 We agree with the authors that mapping and catheter ablation in this region …
Observing the Counterfactual? The Search for Political Experiments in Nature

A search of recent political science literature and conference presentations shows substantial fascination with the concept of the natural experiment. However, there seems to be a wide array of definitions and applications employed in research that purports to analyze natural experiments. In this introductory essay to the special issue, we attempt to define natural experiments and discuss related issues of research design. In addition, we briefly explore the basic methodological issues around the appropriate analysis of natural experiments and give an overview of different techniques. The overarching theme of this essay and of this issue is to encourage applied researchers to look for natural experiments in their own work and to think more systematically about research design. During the ... transitional period following 1890, recognizing what was necessary for statehood, the Saints went about the process of political adjustment. In 1891 their People’s party was disbanded, and the Saints were encouraged to align themselves with the national parties. Fearing their good intentions would be misunderstood if Mormons migrated en masse to the Democratic Party, which had shown the most sympathy for the Saints during the last half the nineteenth century, church leaders encouraged some to take up the Republican banner. Mormon folklore describes some bishops standing before their congregations and assigning the right half of the chapel to one party and the left to the other. [emphasis added] (Arrington and Bitton, 1992, pp. 246–7)
Integration of Intelligent Systems and Conventional Systems: Requirements for Co-ordinating Multiple Agents for Diagnostic Decisions

This paper describes the development of an integrated intelligent expert system and conventional information system to support decision making of a diagnostic decision in a multi-agent environment. It argues that many a priori requirements for the information system can be elicited by accounting for the specific nature of the diagnostic decision and for the single/multiple-actor environment. This finding is generalized to a framework that indicates that a priori requirements take into account the basic theories on which the information system supporting the decision task is ultimately based. In particular, attention is focused on the nature of the task e.g. diagnostic, whether the application is for a single- or multiple-agent situation and the nature of the multi-agent structure e.g. product or functional form of organization.
Removing tides from ship-mounted ADCP data, with application to the Yellow Sea

A simple method developed to approximate the spatial structure of the tide over a given region surveyed by a ship equipped with an acoustic Doppler current profiler is described. This approach permits the subsequent elimination of the tide-induced variability from the ADCP data to yield the residual flow. The method used is a spatial interpolation scheme that allows for the tidal current time variability. Two functions are investigated as possible basis functions on which to expand the tidal and residual current spatial structure. based on their flexibility and their behavior in and at the edges of the interpolating region. This method is applied to ADCP data acquired in January 1986 in the Yellow Sea over the domain 30 degrees -37 degrees N, 120 degrees -128 degrees E. >
Systems Architecting and Program Management with the Design Structure Matrix (DSM)

The design structure matrix (DSM) is a powerful tool for visualizing, analyzing, innovating, and improving system architectures, including those of products, processes, and organizations. The DSM helps to confront and manage system complexities and their implications. Akin to a traditional N2 chart and the System-System matrix in the DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF), the DSM is a square matrix showing relationships between system elements. These elements can be components, teams, activities, or others. By analyzing the DSM, one can prescribe a better (e.g., more modular) system architecture. Adding a time-basis enables one to prescribe a faster, lower-risk process. Because the DSM highlights process feedbacks, it helps identify iterations and rework loops—key drivers of cost and schedule risk. The DSM is concise and visually appealing and is used in many organizations across diverse industries. Users have found the tool extremely useful for fostering architectural innovation and enabling the situation awareness and empowerment that motivates people executing complex processes. This tutorial introduces the DSM and three distinctive applications useful to product developers, system architects and engineers, and project and program managers. Real-life examples are presented from the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and other industries. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises (building DSM models) and come away with a clearer understanding of the drivers of critical, emergent behaviors in systems and how to identify these using a DSM. Participants will receive a copy of the presentation materials and access to free tools that can be applied immediately to systems for quick results and insights.
Effects of age and gender on WNT gene expression in human bone marrow stromal cells

WNT signaling pathways play important roles in the behavior of human bone marrow stromal cells. Although WNT expression has been examined in human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) with limited numbers of subjects or from commercial sources, there are conflicting results on WNT gene expression in hMSCs. Furthermore, the effects of age and gender on WNT expression in hMSCs are largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated RNA expression of all the WNT genes in hMSCs from 19 subjects, 12 women and 7 men, aged from 36 to 85 years. Analysis of WNT gene expression in young and old groups indicated that WNT7B and 14 were expressed significantly higher in the young group. WNT2 and WNT13 showed a trend of higher expression in young group. WNT7B, 13, and 14 were inversely correlated with age. Further analysis for gender-specific difference indicated that WNT16 was expressed significantly higher in men than in women. WNT11 showed a trend of higher expression in hMSCs from women. For the hMSCs from women, WNT13 was inversely correlated with age and WNT4 was positively correlated with age. For the hMSCs from men, WNT7B and WNT14 were inversely correlated with age. These data indicated that most of the age-related WNT genes belong to the canonical WNT signaling pathway. Further, there are gender-specific differences in the expression of WNT4, 7B, 13, 14, and 16 in hMSCs. Age and gender account for many of the sample-to-sample variations in WNT gene expression in human marrow stromal cells.
Retrieval of phytoplankton and colored detrital matter absorption coefficients with remote sensing reflectance in an ultraviolet band

The light absorption of phytoplankton and colored detrital matter (CDM), which includes contribution of gelbstoff and detrital matters, has distinctive yet overlapping features in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible domain. The CDM absorption (a(dg)) increases exponentially with decreasing wavelength while the absorption coefficient of phytoplankton (a(ph)) generally decreases toward the shorter bands for the range of 350-450 nm. It has long been envisioned that including ocean color measurements in the UV range may help the separation of these two components from the remotely sensed ocean color spectrum. An attempt is made in this study to provide an analytical assessment of this expectation. We started with the development of an absorption decomposition model [quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA)-UV], analogous to the QAA, that partitions the total absorption coefficient using information at bands 380 and 440 nm. Compared to the retrieval results relying on the absorption information at 410 and 440 nm of the original QAA, our analyses indicate that QAA-UV can improve the retrieval of a(ph) and a(dg), although the improvement in accuracy is not significant for values at 440 nm. The performance of the UV-based algorithm is further evaluated with in situ measurements. The limited improvement observed with the field measurements highlights that the separation of a(dg) and a(ph) is highly dependent on the accuracy of the ocean color measurements and the estimated total absorption coefficient.
Speaking of Flowers: Student Movements and the Making and Remembering of 1968 in Military Brazil. By Victoria Langland. (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2013. Pp. xviii, 326. $24.95.)

This book is a rare accomplishment: a must‐read in a well‐established field. As the author herself acknowledges, she analyzes a series of events that have generated intense memories and mythologies...
Isotopic segregation between sympatric seabird species increases with nutritional stress

Dietary segregation is essential for the coexistence of closely related species of animals. However, little is known about how changes in availability of food resources might affect trophic interactions of wild animals breeding in sympatry. Here, we examined how interannual variations in relative food availability (as reflected in blood levels of stress hormone corticosterone, CORT) affect food partitioning (assessed via a comparison of stable isotope δ15N and δ13C ratios of blood) between the common murre ( Uria aalge ) and thick-billed murre ( Uria lomvia ), breeding on a single colony in the Bering Sea. During a 6-year study, CORT varied among years but not between species, whereas stable isotope ratios varied among years and between species. Isotopic distance between species increased with increasing CORT. These results indicate that, when food was not limiting, both species relied on similar food resources. As foraging conditions deteriorated, murres diverged in their diets. We conclude that the degree of dietary segregation between Uria spp. varies with changes in the availability of food and is greatest during food shortages.
Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Lesions Block Syrian Hamster Testicular Regression in Short Day Lengths Without Diminishing Increased Testosterone Negative-Feedback Sensitivity

The dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) of the hypothalamus, the only site within the mediobasal hypothalamus of Syrian hamsters that both binds melatonin and has abundant concentrations of androgen receptors, has been proposed as a target tissue for induction of seasonal changes in brain sensitivity to steroid negative feedback. We tested whether DMN ablation, which does not interfere with pineal gland secretion of melatonin in short day lengths, prevents testicular regression by altering sensitivity to steroid negative feedback. Hamsters with DMN lesions, unlike control hamsters, failed to undergo testicular regression after transfer from a long (14 h light/day) to a short day length (8 h light/day); however, increased negative-feedback inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone by testosterone was not compromised by ablation of the DMN, indicating that this tissue is not an essential mediator of seasonal changes in feedback sensitivity. We propose a redundant neural network comprised of multiple structures, each of which contributes to neuroendocrine mechanisms, that determines the effect of short days on gonadal function.
Increased relative abundance of an invasive competitor for pollination, Lythrum salicaria, reduces seed number in Mimulus ringens

When exotic plant species share pollinators with native species, competition for pollination may lower the reproductive success of natives by reducing the frequency and/or quality of visits they receive. Exotic species often become numerically dominant in plant communities, and the relative abundance of these potential competitors for pollination may be an important determinant of their effects on the pollination and reproductive success of co-occurring native species. Our study experimentally tests whether the presence and abundance of an invasive exotic, Lythrum salicaria L. (Lythraceae), influences reproductive success of a co-flowering native species, Mimulus ringens L. (Phrymaceae). We also examine the mechanisms of competition for pollination and how they may be altered by changes in competitor abundance. We found that the presence of Lythrum salicaria lowered mean seed number in Mimulus ringens fruits. This effect was most pronounced when the invasive competitor was highly abundant, decreasing the number of seeds per fruit by 40% in 2006 and 33% in 2007. Reductions in the number of seeds per fruit were likely due to reduced visit quality resulting from Mimulus pollen loss when bees foraged on neighboring Lythrum plants. This study suggests that visit quality to natives may be influenced by the presence and abundance of invasive flowering plants.
Adipose fatty acid oxidation is required for thermogenesis and potentiates oxidative stress-induced inflammation.

Summary To understand the contribution of adipose tissue fatty acid oxidation to whole-body metabolism, we generated mice with an adipose-specific knockout of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2 A−/− ), an obligate step in mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation. CPT2 A−/− mice became hypothermic after an acute cold challenge, and CPT2 A−/− brown adipose tissue (BAT) failed to upregulate thermogenic genes in response to agonist-induced stimulation. The adipose-specific loss of CPT2 resulted in diet-dependent changes in adiposity but did not result in changes in body weight on low- or high-fat diets. Additionally, CPT2 A−/− mice had suppressed high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT); however, high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance was not improved. These data show that fatty acid oxidation is required for cold-induced thermogenesis in BAT and high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in WAT.
Wireless non-contact cardiac and neural monitoring

Ubiquitous physiological monitoring will be a key driving force in the upcoming wireless health revolution. Cardiac and brain signals in the form of ECG and EEG are two critical health indicators that directly benefit from long-term monitoring. Despite advancements in wireless technology and electronics miniaturization, however, the use of wireless home ECG/EEG monitoring is still limited by the inconvenience and discomfort of wet adhesive electrodes.We have developed a wireless biopotential instrumentation system using non-contact capacitive electrodes that operate without skin contact. The sensors can be embedded within comfortable layers of fabric for unobtrusive use. All of the issues relating to the design of low noise, high performance capacitive sensors are discussed along with full technical details, circuit schematics and construction techniques.The non-contact electrode has been integrated into both a wearable ECG chest harness as well a EEG headband. We have also designed a compact, battery-powered, wireless data acquisition system to interface with multiple electrodes and monitor patient cardiac and neural signals in real time. Experimental data shows that the non-contact capacitive electrode perform comparable to Ag/AgCl electrodes using our special chest harness and head bands to ensure tight, movement-free electrode positioning.
A Sensitized Screen of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea–Mutagenized Mice Identifies Dominant Mutants Predisposed to Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a late diabetic complication that comprises progressively increasing albuminuria, declining GFR, and increased cardiovascular risk. Only a minority of patients with diabetes (25 to 40%) develop nephropathy, and there is evidence that heritable genetic factors predispose these "at-risk" individuals to DN. Comparing variability among inbred mouse strains with respect to a specific phenotype can model interhuman variability, and each strain represents a genetically homogeneous system with a defined risk for nephropathy. C57BL/6 mice, which are relatively resistant to DN, were mutagenized using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and screened for mutants that developed excess albuminuria on a sensitizing type 1 diabetic background contributed by the dominant Akita mutation in insulin-2 gene (Ins2(Akita)). Two of 375 diabetic G1 founders were found to exhibit albumin excretion rates persistently 10-fold greater than albumin excretion rates in nonmutagenized Ins2(Akita) controls. This albuminuria trait was heritable and transmitted to approximately 50% of Ins2(Akita) G2 and G3 progeny, consistent with a simple, dominantly inherited trait, but was never observed in nondiabetic offspring. During the course of 1 yr, albuminuric Ins2(Akita) G2 and G3 progeny developed reduced inulin clearance with elevated blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine. Glomerular histology revealed mesangial expansion, and glomerular basement membrane thickening as determined by electron microscopy was enhanced in diabetic mutant kidneys. Hereditary albuminuric N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mutants were redesignated as Nphrp1 (nephropathy1) and Nphrp2 (nephropathy2) mice for two generated lines. These novel mutants provide new, robust mouse models of DN and should help to elucidate the underlying genetic basis of predisposition to DN.
Leukocyte depletion attenuates vascular injury in postischemic skeletal muscle

To determine whether leukocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of the vascular injury (increased vascular permeability and resistance) associated with ischemia-reperfusion, isolated canine gracilis muscles were perfused with autologous whole blood or with whole blood that had been depleted of leukocytes (primarily granulocytes) using Leukopak filters. The osmotic reflection coefficient for total plasma proteins, isogravimetric capillary pressure, and total vascular resistance was determined for the following conditions: control, ischemia (4 h inflow occlusion) plus reperfusion with whole blood, and ischemia plus reperfusion with granulocyte-depleted whole blood. Reperfusion with whole blood was associated with a reduction in the osmotic reflection coefficient from 0.96 to 0.61, whereas isogravimetric capillary pressure was reduced by 40%, indicating a dramatic increase in vascular permeability. Total vascular resistance was increased approximately twofold. Reperfusion with leukocyte-depleted blood largely prevented the increases in vascular permeability and resistance. These data suggest that leukocytes play a major role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle.
Nanoconfined Amine-Functionalized Silicone Oil Sorbents for Rapid CO2-Capture

A novel CO2 sorbent system involving the confinement of aminated silicone oil-based liquid sorbents in hollow, microporous silica shells was investigated. In TGA experiments with three silicone oil sorbents (GAP-0, M′D′M′, and M3′T′), the nanoconfined materials exhibited initial CO2 sorption rates between 44 and 90 times faster than the corresponding unconfined, bulk liquid silicone oils. However, the liquids proved to be volatile at temperatures as low as 45 °C in the gaseous flow environment, resulting in a continuous decrease in CO2 sorption capacities over multiple sorption/desorption cycles. In contrast to their volatility in their CO2-free state, the nanoconfined sorbents exhibited excellent stability upon sorption of CO2, suggesting that the unique CO2 sorption-induced liquid-to-solid phase transition that characterizes these sorbents in their unconfined bulk form is not significantly altered through nanoconfinement. Overall, while the stability of these nanoconfined amine-functionalized silicone o...
Tailoring the Transport Properties of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks by Post-Synthetic Thermal Modification.

Understanding how to control transport properties of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) is critical to extend ZIF-based membranes and adsorbents to a wide spectrum of gas and vapor separations. In this work, we report a facile post-synthetic thermal modification (PSTM) technique to tailor ZIFs’ transport properties by balancing diffusivity and diffusion selectivity. With controllable dissociation of framework methyl groups from a precursor ZIF (ZIF-8), we have prepared thermally modified ZIFs showing substantially increased n-butane diffusivity and attractive n/iso-butane diffusion selectivity. Hybrid ZIF/polymer mixed-matrix membranes formed using these thermally modified ZIFs are expected to deliver attractive butane isomer separation performance. Membranes based on such materials can potentially be used to retrofit refinery alkylation units for producing premium gasoline blending stocks.
Research on the Occurrence Law,Types,Characteristics of Bird-trouble Failure and Its Prevention-control Policy in Henan Province Electric Power Grid

Through the statistics,analysis and field investigations of failures due to bird-trouble from 2003 to 2013in the high voltage transmission lines in Henan province,the results show that the tripping events occur 64 times during the last eleven years,where 82.8%(53times)of them occur in the middle and western Henan province,overlapping the migration corridor of snowbirds.The seasonal law of the bird-trouble is similar to the migration of winter visitor birds,and tends to occur in spring and winter,48times(about 75%)bird-trouble occurring between October and late March.Through the statistics and analysis of the daily rhythm,the results show that 50times(about 78.13%)tripping events occur between 7pm and late 7am,especially between 6am and 7am,17 times tripping occuring accounting for 26.56%.Through analysis of the biological characteristics of trouble birds and the causes and characteristics of bird-trouble,the four types were divided including guano-caused flashover,nest-caused short circuit,body-caused short touch and pecking composite insulators.Based on this study,the author advised that isolating-type,expelling-type,leading-tye methods should be adopted to displace the isolating-type,expelling-typ methods.Blocking and leading should be coordinated to deal with the bird-trouble.
Unearthing the Ecology of Soil Microorganisms Using a High Resolution DNA-SIP Approach to Explore Cellulose and Xylose Metabolism in Soil

We explored microbial contributions to decomposition using a sophisticated approach to DNA Stable Isotope Probing (SIP). Our experiment evaluated the dynamics and ecological characteristics of functionally defined microbial groups that metabolize labile and structural C in soils. We added to soil a complex amendment representing plant derived organic matter substituted with either (13)C-xylose or (13)C-cellulose to represent labile and structural C pools derived from abundant components of plant biomass. We found evidence for (13)C-incorporation into DNA from (13)C-xylose and (13)C-cellulose in 49 and 63 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), respectively. The types of microorganisms that assimilated (13)C in the (13)C-xylose treatment changed over time being predominantly Firmicutes at day 1 followed by Bacteroidetes at day 3 and then Actinobacteria at day 7. These (13)C-labeling dynamics suggest labile C traveled through different trophic levels. In contrast, microorganisms generally metabolized cellulose-C after 14 days and did not change to the same extent in phylogenetic composition over time. Microorganisms that metabolized cellulose-C belonged to poorly characterized but cosmopolitan soil lineages including Verrucomicrobia, Chloroflexi, and Planctomycetes.
Evolutionary history of the marsupials and an analysis of osteological characters: Cruropedal attributes of living and fossil families of metatherians

It is that osteology must after all constitute the core of the true theory of mammalian history. It is only by means of the skeleton that we are able to correlate the knowledge of living with that of fossil mammals and thus to synthesize the results of palaeontology, systematic mammalogy and comparative anatomy. Gregory (1910, p. 112) It will, perhaps, be helpful for an understanding of marsupial conditions if it be explained that Huxley, Dollo, Bensley, and other authorities on this group have been convinced that the Metatheria were derived from an ancestor sufficiently specialized for an arboreal existence for the latter adaptation to have left a lasting impression upon the foot structure. This is in contrast to the protoplacental ancestor, which, although presumably to some extent arboreal in habit, was hardly modified in this direction to a very definite degree. A. B. Howell (1944, p. 28) Didelphidae (Figures 3.1, 3.2, 4.1– 4.5, 6.23, 7.1–71–7.12, & 8.11–8.18) Ecomorphology Bock's (1991) and Goldschmid and Kotrschal's (1989) recent reviews (see additional references therein) explore and discuss in detail the role of functional and ecological morphology in systematic biology.
Identification and characterization of the esophagoglottal closure reflex in a feline model

To identify a suitable animal model and to delineate the neural pathway and target organs of the esophagoglottal closure reflex we studied three species. Study showed the existence of an esophagoglottal closure reflex in cats. The presence of this reflex could not be documented in the opossum. In monkeys, because of the inadequacy of the available recording devices, its presence could not be ascertained. In the feline model, the closure response of the vocal folds to the abrupt generalized and segmental distension of the esophagus was similar to that of the humans. Study findings indicate that among glottal adductor muscles at least interarytenoid and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are involved as target organs of the esophagoglottal closure reflex. Decerebration did not change the frequency of glottal closure response to esophageal distension, supporting the notion that this reflex is completely under brain stem control. Bilateral cervical vagotomy abolished the glottal closure induced by esophageal distension indicating that this reflex is mediated by the vagus nerve. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure response to esophageal distension by air was variable, suggesting that glottal and UES response to esophageal distension, although closely coordinated, are not dependent on one another. In summary, an esophagoglottal closure reflex exists in feline species, and many similarities in the elicitation and mediation of this reflex have been found with that of humans. This model could be used for further physiological studies.
Disability in patients with end-stage liver disease: Results from the functional assessment in liver transplantation study.

Cirrhosis leads to sarcopenia and functional decline that can severely impact one's ability to function at home and in society. Self-reported disability scales to quantify disability-Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)-are validated to predict mortality in older adults. To evaluate disability in liver transplantation (LT) candidates and quantify its impact on outcomes, consecutive outpatients ≥18 years listed for LT with laboratory Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores of ≥12 at a single high-volume US LT center were assessed for ADLs and IADLs during clinic visits. Multivariate competing risk models explored the effect of disabilities on wait-list mortality (death or delisting for illness). Of 458 patients, 36% were women, median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 60 years (IQR, 54-64 years), and initial Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) was 17 (IQR 14-20). At first visit, 31% had lost ≥ 1 ADL, and 40% had lost ≥ 1 IADL. The most prevalent ADL deficits lost were continence (22%), dressing (12%), and transferring (11%); the most prevalent IADLs lost were shopping (28%), food preparation (23%), and medication management (22%). After adjustment for age, MELD-Na, and encephalopathy, dressing (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.8; P = 0.04), toileting (SHR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5; P = 0.03), transferring (SHR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0; P = 0.009), housekeeping (SHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0; P = 0.009), and laundry (SHR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.5; P = 0.002) remained independent predictors of wait-list mortality. In conclusion, ADL/IADL deficits are common in LT candidates. LT candidates would benefit from chronic disease management programs developed to address the impact of cirrhosis on their daily lives. Liver Transplantation 23 292-298 2017 AASLD.
Oil Flux and Unrest

In this chapter, we summarize the book and our argument that the spaces in which oil extraction continues expanding are sites upon which ideologies of the state and citizenship have been projected. These are spaces in which sensitive ecologies and the people who depend upon them are being compelled via state action or lack thereof down one of two paths: the adoption of a leftist/populist understanding of, and participation in, the structures, practices, and subjectivities of the modern, liberal state; or relegation to further marginalization that borders on obsolescence or even extermination. We discuss the widespread protests in Ecuador in 2015 against the Correa administration, culminating in the mid-August “March for Dignity and Life” that brought together diverse civil-society organizations voicing their concerns over reduced public spending, increasing authoritarianism, rights violations associated with extractive projects in the Amazon, and constitutional amendments that—among other things—ended presidential term limits. Ecuador’s political economy is at crossroads with the drop in international oil prices and treatment of any challenges to the Correa administration as antithetical to the collective good as defined by the state.