cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuronal activity in the isolated mouse spinal cord during spontaneous deletions in fictive locomotion: insights into locomotor central pattern generator organization

We explored the organization of the spinal central pattern generator (CPG) for locomotionbyanalysingtheactivityofspinalinterneuronsandmotoneuronsduringspontaneous deletions occurring during fictive locomotion in the isolated neonatal mouse spinal cord, following earlier work on locomotor deletions in the cat. In the isolated mouse spinal cord, most spontaneous deletions were non-resetting, with rhythmic activity resuming after an integer numberofcycles.Flexorandextensordeletionsshowedmarkedasymmetry:flexordeletionswere accompanied by sustained ipsilateral extensor activity, whereas rhythmic flexor bursting was not perturbedduringextensordeletions.Rhythmicactivityononesideofthecordwasnotperturbed during non-resetting spontaneous deletions on the other side, and these deletions could occur with no input from the other side of the cord. These results suggest that the locomotor CPG has a two-level organization with rhythm-generating (RG) and pattern-forming (PF) networks, in which only the flexor RG network is intrinsically rhythmic. To further explore the neuro- nal organization of the CPG, we monitored activity of motoneurons and selected identified
Comparison of Phenate and Salicylate Methods for Determination of Total Ammonia Nitrogen in Freshwater and Saline Water

A study was conducted to compare the precision and accuracy of the phenate method and the salicylate method for determining total ammonia nitrogen concentration in water over a wide range of salinities. The two methods provided results that were highly correlated (P 0.05). In replicate analyses of the same samples, the salicylate method often gave a higher mean concentration of total ammonia nitrogen than was obtained with the phenate method. Also, precision was usually better for the salicylate method. Accuracy, as determined by spike recovery, was slightly superior for the salicylate method. The findings suggest that the salicylate method is a preferable alternative to the phenate methods for use in freshwater and saline water aquaculture applications.
Real-time adaptive control of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor

The authors develop a fully digital adaptive velocity controller for the permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The critical issues addressed during the development of this controller include discretization and global linearization of the nonlinear motor system, nonlinearities in the inverter, nonminimum phase behavior due to sampling, sampling rate restrictions, robust mechanical state estimation, persistent excitation of the mechanical states, mechanical parameter estimation and validation of these estimates, and unmodeled dynamics. The resulting adaptive controller is implemented in real time using a computer system based on the Motorola 68020 microprocessor. Experimental results demonstrate that the adaptive controller maintains the desired control over velocity in the presence of varying mechanical parameters. >
Newcomers and Old‐Timers: Educational Philosophies‐in‐Action of Parent Volunteers in a Community of Learners School

Contrasting educational philosophies-in-action were used by 45 parent volunteers working with children in a school organized as a community of learners. Newcomers were more likely to employ a one-sided philosophy-in-action (with either adult-directed or child-directed organization), whereas parents with several years of experience were more likely to use a collaborative philosophy-in-action, consistent with the philosophy of a community of learners. A pedagogical implication is that adults need opportunities to learn new educational philosophies as they work with children.
Computation, Materiality, and the Global Environment

The point of this series on the global life cycle of computer technology was not to be negative or alarmist, but to make an important point about the material underpinnings of the modern information society. There has been some popular attention paid to the material life of information technology. The history of computing has a long and admirable traditional of dealing with both the material and intellectual elements of information technology. But in turning its attention to the larger systems of material production and distribution essential to (and enabled) by computer technology, we can further expand the scope of our discipline, addressing issues concern to the entire global community.
A Case of Elevated Liver Function Tests After Crown-of-Thorns (Acanthaster planci) Envenomation

The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) inhabits coral reefs, largely throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Its dorsal surface is covered with stout thorn-like spines. When handled or stepped on by humans, the spines can puncture the skin, causing an immediate painful reaction, followed by inflammation and possible infection. Initial pain and swelling may last for days. Effects of envenomation on the liver have been demonstrated previously in animal models, but hepatic toxicity has not previously been described in humans. We describe elevated liver enzymes in a 19-year-old female associated with A planci spine puncture wounds. To our knowledge, this is the first documented report of transaminitis in a human after A planci envenomation.
Language ideology and identity in transnational space: globalization, migration, and bilingualism among Korean families in the USA

Abstract A growing transnational migration trend among (South) Korean families brings heterogeneity to the Korean-American communities in the US in terms of educational practices and identity. Based on interviews with Korean mothers, this study discusses how two groups of Koreans, Korean immigrants and early study abroad sojourners, enacted and adopted different language ideologies that resulted in divergent attitudes to and different strategies for their children's language education. The interviews with early study abroad families, in particular, revealed that their attitudes to language education were closely related to the language ideologies of global English in Korea. That is, these early study abroad families circulated ‘glocalized’ English (localized global English) through transnational migration as an educational strategy. Particulary, two language ideologies of global English: (1) language as marketable commodity; and (2) language for cosmopolitan membership, become apparent and intensified in ...
Plasma concentrations of testosterone and nandrolone in racing and nonracing intact male horses

Soma, L. R., Uboh, C. E., You, Y., Guan, F., McDonnell, S. Plasma concentrationsof testosterone and nandrolone in racing and nonracing intact male horses. J.vet.Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 132–138.Pennsylvania (PA) State Racing Commissions regulate the endogenous andro-genic steroid, testosterone (TES), in racing intact males (RIM) by quantiﬁcation ofTES in post-race samples. Post-race plasma samples (2209) collected betweenMarch 2008 and November 2010 were analyzed for TES, nandrolone (NAN), andother anabolic steroids (ABS). Of the 2209 plasma samples, 2098 hadquantiﬁable TES ‡25 pg⁄mL. Plasma (mean ± SD) concentrations of TES andNAN in RIM were 329.2 ± 266.4 and 96.0 ± 67.8 pg⁄mL, respectively. Only64.6% of RIM had quantiﬁable concentration of NAN, and there was norelationship between TES and NAN. Plasma TES concentrations were signiﬁ-cantly (P < 0.0001) higher during the months of April, May, June, July, andAugust. A signiﬁcantly higher (P < 0.006) plasma TES was observed inThoroughbred (TB) (347.6 ± 288.5 pg⁄mL) vs. that in Standardbred (STB)(315.4 ± 247.7 pg⁄mL). Plasma concentrations of TES from breeding stallions(BS) were 601.6 ± 356.5 pg⁄mL. Statistically signiﬁcant (P < 0.0001) lowerplasma concentrations of the two steroids were observed in RIM horses. Based onquantile distribution of TES in the RIM and BS populations, 99.5% were at orbelow 1546.1 and 1778.0 pg⁄mL, respectively. Based on this population of RIM,the suggested upper threshold plasma concentration of endogenous TES in horsescompeting in PA should remain at 2000 pg⁄mL.(Paper received 10 November 2010; accepted for publication 24 February 2011)Lawrence R. Soma, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, NewBolton Center Campus, West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.E-mail: soma@vet.upenn.edu
Flight of the pico satellite solar cell testbed (PSSC Testbed) space experiment

The PSSC Testbed flight data confirmed that the picosatellite can be used for measuring I–V characteristics of solar cells. Continuing monitoring of the I–V measurement will allow determining the actual degradation of the solar cells due to exposure to the space environment. Mission success for the initial low earth orbit (LEO) space flight provided proof of concept for the PSSC Testbed. Subsequent mission will fly in a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), in which a 450-day radiation exposure of the solar cells will be equivalent to that of 15 years radiation exposure in geosynchronous orbit.
Molecular Capsules Based on Metal Complexes with Resorcin[4]arenes and Pyrogallol[4]arenes

Metal-organic nanocapsules (MONCS) have generated widespread interest in recent years because of potential applications in a number of areas, including catalysis, pharmaceutical delivery and information storage. The focus of this chapter is metal complexes for which upper rim hydroxyl groups of resorcin[4]arenes or pyrogallol[4]arenes are ligated to the metal. The stereostructures of the arene macrocycles are discussed in terms of the effect of the R group on the thermodynamic stability of the crown conformation preferred for capsule formation. Studies on hydrogen-bonded capsules that led to the development of the MONCS are described. Finally, the structures and properties of the MONCs are compared and contrasted with respect to choice of macrocycle, metal, R group, guest, and size. Keywords: metal-seamed dimers; metal-seamed hexamers; macrocycles; stereostructures; magnetic properties; guest encapsulation; host-guest interactions; ligand substitution; hydrogen-bonded complexes; noncovalent interactions
Pliocene–Quaternary subsidence and exhumation of the southeastern San Joaquin Basin, California, in response to mantle lithosphere removal

Thermomechanical models of mantle lithosphere removal from beneath the southern Sierra Nevada region, California (USA), predict a complex spatiotemporal pattern of vertical surface displacements. We evaluate these models by using (U-Th)/He thermochronometry, together with other paleothermometry estimates, to investigate such topographic transients. We target Tertiary strata from the Kern arch, a crescent-shaped active uplift located in the southeastern San Joaquin Basin, along the western flank of the southern Sierra Nevada. Kern arch stratigraphy provides a unique record of subsidence and exhumation in a sensitive region immediately adjacent to the delaminating mantle lithosphere at depth. Detrital apatite (U-Th)/He ages from Oligocene–Miocene sandstones collected in Kern arch well cores indicate postdepositional heating to temperatures beyond those corresponding with their present burial depths. When integrated with available geologic and stratigraphic constraints, temperature-time modeling of thermochronometric data suggests partial He loss from apatites at temperatures of 70–90 °C, followed by exhumation to present burial temperatures of 35–60 °C since ca. 6 Ma. By constraining the late Cenozoic geothermal gradient to ∼25 °C/km, our results imply 1.0–1.6 km of rapid (∼0.4 mm/yr) subsidence and sedimentation, and then subsequent uplift and exhumation of southeastern San Joaquin Basin strata in latest Miocene–Quaternary time. Stratigraphic and geomorphic relations further constrain the principal burial episode to ca. 2.5 Ma or later, and exhumation to ca. 1 Ma or later. Subtle differences in the maximum temperatures achieved in various wells may reflect differing degrees of tectonic subsidence and sedimentation as a function of growth faulting and distance from the range front. Our results are consistent with estimates of surface subsidence and uplift from Sierran delamination models, which predict a minimum of ∼0.7 km of tectonic subsidence in regions retaining mantle lithosphere adjacent to the area of delamination, and a minimum of ∼0.8 km of rock uplift in regions where delamination occurred recently. We attribute the marked pulse of tectonic subsidence in the San Joaquin Basin to viscous coupling between the lower crust and a downwelling mass in the delaminating slab. The ensuing episode of exhumation is interpreted to result from the northwestward peeling back of the slab and the associated replacement of dense lithosphere with buoyant asthenosphere that drove rapid rock and surface uplift.
Bos taurus (Cattle)

The karyotypes shown here were taken from slides made from lymphocyte cultures, courtesy of Dr. Nat M. Kieffer, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
Field trials of insecticides in controlled-release devices for control of the Gulf Coast tick and prevention of screwworm in cattle.

In field trials conducted during July-September 1975, stirofos (15% AI) in both a small-double and large single ear tag system and dichlorvos (20% AI) in a double tag system gave season-long protection of the ears of cattle against the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatun Koch, and the screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel). Conversely, dichloros in small single, trimethylphenyl methylcarbamate (3,4,5 and 2,3,5, 75:18) in small double, and dichlorvos, crotoxyphos, and the trimethylphenyl methylcarbamate mixture in large single ear tags provided relatively little if any protection through 5 weeks, and screwworm infestations were frequent in the ears of these cattle. Screwworm infestations were also high at times among untreated control cattle. Horn bands with stirofos gave control of the ticks; horn bands with propoxur gave somewhat less control. However, horn bands were either too loosely or too lightly applied. Ear smears containing 2% dioxathion and 2% Compound 4072 (2-chloro-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) vinyl diethyl phosphate) gave some control of ticks.
Role of Hepatic Dysfunction in Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery

METHODS: From 1/1/2000 to 1/1/2011, 38,875 adult patients underwent cardiac surgery. Preoperative laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records. Primary endpoint was allcause mortality, and secondary endpoints were hospital death, length of stay, bleeding, infection, stroke, respiratory failure, and renal failure. 190,521 patient-years of follow-up were available for analysis, with mean follow-up of 4.9 3.3 years.
Gene integrated set profile analysis: a context-based approach for inferring biological endpoints

The identification of genes with specific patterns of change (e.g. down-regulated and methylated) as phenotype drivers or samples with similar profiles for a given gene set as drivers of clinical outcome, requires the integration of several genomic data types for which an 'integrate by intersection' (IBI) approach is often applied. In this approach, results from separate analyses of each data type are intersected, which has the limitation of a smaller intersection with more data types. We introduce a new method, GISPA (Gene Integrated Set Profile Analysis) for integrated genomic analysis and its variation, SISPA (Sample Integrated Set Profile Analysis) for defining respective genes and samples with the context of similar, a priori specified molecular profiles. With GISPA, the user defines a molecular profile that is compared among several classes and obtains ranked gene sets that satisfy the profile as drivers of each class. With SISPA, the user defines a gene set that satisfies a profile and obtains sample groups of profile activity. Our results from applying GISPA to human multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines contained genes of known profiles and importance, along with several novel targets, and their further SISPA application to MM coMMpass trial data showed clinical relevance.
A Programmable and Configurable Mixed-Mode FPAA SoC

This paper presents a floating-gate (FG)-based, field-programmable analog array (FPAA) system-on-chip (SoC) that integrates analog and digital programmable and configurable blocks with a 16-bit open-source MSP430 microprocessor ( $\mu \text{P}$ ) and resulting interface circuitry. We show the FPAA SoC architecture, experimental results from a range of circuits compiled into this architecture, and system measurements. A compiled analog acoustic command-word classifier on the FPAA SoC requires 23 $\mu \text{W}$ to experimentally recognize the word dark in a TIMIT database phrase. This paper jointly optimizes high parameter density (number of programmable elements/area/process normalized), as well as high accessibility of the computations due to its data flow handling; the SoC FPAA is 600 $000\times $ higher density than other non-FG approaches.
Effects of Noise on Cardiovascular System and Hearing in Workers

Objective To investigate the effects of noise on cardiovascular system and hearing in workers exposed to occupational noise.Methods Blood pressure determination,electrocardiogram monitoring and pure tone air conduction threshold audiometry were performed in 233 noise exposed workers(noise group) and 233 non-noise exposed workers(control group).Results The detection rates of high blood pressure,electrocardiographic abnormality and hearing loss were 9.4%,15.9% and 31.3% in noise group,respectively.There were significant differences in the detection rates between noise group and control group(P0.01).Moreover,the detection rates were elevated by the increase in cumulative noise exposure.Conclusion Long-term exposure to occupational noise can result in cardiovascular impairment and hearing loss in workers.
Determination of 54 volatile organic compounds in water by headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Objective A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 54 volatile organic compounds in water samples by headspace solid phase microextraction( HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry( GC-MS).Methods The concentration of 54 volatile organic compounds was determined by HS-SPME-GC-MS. The experimental condition affecting their extraction and desorption,such as the type of fiber,temperature and time of extraction,ionic strength of the sample,temperature and time of desorption were optimized. Results The extractions were carried out in 75 μm CAR /PDMS( carboxen / polydimethylsiloxane) fiber and the best results were found with 30 minutes of extraction at 50 ± 2 ℃,then3 minutes of desorption under the temperature of 220 ℃ for GC-MS determination. The linear ranges were 1. 0 μg / L-100. 0 μg / L. The correlation coefficients were 0. 990-0. 999. The detection limits of 54 kinds of VOCs were 0. 45 μg / L-1. 46 μg / L. The recoveries were 83. 1%-117% and the RSD was 0. 69%-17. 6%. The optimized method has been applied to determine the target volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples,such as wastewater,tape water and purified water. The analysis revealed the presence of seven halogenated alkanes at concentration between 0. 58 μg / L-32. 3 μg / L,such as chloroform,bromodichloromethane,dibromochloromethane and bromoform. Conclusion The method is simple,rapid,sensitive,and can be applied for determining the 54 kinds of VOCs in water with satisfactory results.
Shared and distinct retinal input to the mouse superior colliculus and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

The mammalian retina conveys the vast majority of information about visual stimuli to two brain regions: the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and the superior colliculus (SC). The degree to which retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) send similar or distinct information to the two areas remains unclear despite the important constraints that different patterns of RGC input place on downstream visual processing. To resolve this ambiguity, we injected a glycoprotein-deficient rabies virus coding for the expression of a fluorescent protein into the dLGN or SC; rabies virus labeled a smaller fraction of RGCs than lipophilic dyes such as DiI but, crucially, did not label RGC axons of passage. Approximately 80% of the RGCs infected by rabies virus injected into the dLGN were colabeled with DiI injected into the SC, suggesting that many dLGN-projecting RGCs also project to the SC. However, functional characterization of RGCs revealed that the SC receives input from several classes of RGCs that largely avoid the dLGN, in particular RGCs in which 1) sustained changes in light intensity elicit transient changes in firing rate and/or 2) a small range of stimulus sizes or temporal fluctuations in light intensity elicit robust activity. Taken together, our results illustrate several unexpected asymmetries in the information that the mouse retina conveys to two major downstream targets and suggest that differences in the output of dLGN and SC neurons reflect, at least in part, differences in the functional properties of RGCs that innervate the SC but not the dLGN.
Bedside modified Clagett procedure for empyema after pulmonary resection

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility in treating empyema after pulmonary resection with a modified Clagett procedure performed at the bedside (BMCP). A retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience at a single institution was undertaken. All operative, postoperative, and outcome data were analyzed. Follow-up data were obtained from subsequent clinic charts. Five patients, including four males, were identified who underwent BMCP after pulmonary resection. The original operative procedures included two lobectomies, one pneumonectomy, one bilobectomy, and one bilateral metastastectomy. Patients were diagnosed with an empyema (positive thoracostomy tube culture, fever, and radiographic abnormality) at a mean time of 31 days from their initial procedure. Culture results disclosed Gram-positive empyemas in all patients. Three patients underwent BMCP as an outpatient, whereas the other two had BMCP during their hospitalizations. All patients are free from complications or recurrence at a mean follow up of 11.2 months. No patient required a further procedure after BMCP. The bedside modified Clagett procedure is both safe and effective. It is a valuable option in the management of postoperative empyema because it avoids additional operative procedures. This procedure is cost-effective when compared with operative management of perioperative empyema.
Animal extremists' threats to neurologic research continue: Neuroreality II

The discussion stemming from the article by Beversdorf et al.1 conflates several different questions: (1) Can animal experimentation produce valuable information for clinical use? (2) Is animal research currently conducted in an ethical manner? (3) Is the harassment of animal researchers justified? One could answer “No” to questions 1 and 2 and yet still answer “No” to question 3. Most of the evidence Dr. Akhtar adduces is in support of “No” answers …
Introduction to intravascular stents.

Vascular stents represent a new approach to solving the problems of abrupt closure and restenosis following coronary and peripheral angioplasty. Several stent designs are currently being investigated worldwide and are reviewed in this article. Early clinical trials are underway in both the peripheral and coronary circulation, the results of which are encouraging. Stents may prove to be a useful adjunct to angioplasty in humans.
Staring at the Sun

Just about perfect reading for scientists on holiday – even if researchers never really put aside what they are working on – The Sun Kings describes how humans have sought to understand the Sun and its sometimes unexpected influences on the Earth. It is a story that will have most meaning for those with an interest in astrophysics, astronomy or solar physics because the book assumes some familiarity with the subject matter. However, it will also be compelling to historians of science, aurora and eclipse watchers, and amateur radio buffs familiar with some of the effects of solar activity experienced in everyday life.
Influence of Geologic Factors on Ancient Civilizations in the Aegean Area

A variety of geologic factors involving plate tectonics, mountainous terrain, sea-level changes, and selected minerals, played significant roles in the development of the ancient Minoan-Mycenaean-Hellenic civilizations in the Aegean area. The development of isolated urban centers that evolved from the earliest pre-Minoan settlements to the city/states of the classical Greek civilization are direct consequences of people settling in the mountainous terrain which resulted from the ongoing collision of the African and European continental plates. The melting of glaciers at the end of the Pleistocene, coupled with local and regional tectonic subsidence, resulted in a relative rise of sea level that produced many excellent harbors in the submerged coastlines; harbors that facilitated the establishment of a sea-faring culture for the Aegean civilizations. Athenian-owned silver mines provided the monetary base to make Athens a dominant city/state in the Greek world and paid for the warships that enabled Athens a...
Classics and archives: An example from the 1925 low-angle aerial photography of Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, by Captain AW Stevens, US Army Air Corps

In 1925, then-Captain AW Stevens of the US Army Air Corps took low-angle, oblique aerial photographs of the spectacular landscape of Glacier National Park, Montana (USA). Two of those photographs, of astonishing clarity, were used in a US Geological Survey Professional Paper published in 1959, but were subsequently assigned to the US National Archives and never utilized again. This paper advocates the usefulness of Stevens’ photographs for documenting landscape change from the early 20th century to the present. Stevens’ photographs illustrate the “state” of numerous Park glaciers in 1925, and are the first known aerial photographs of the Park glaciers. These photographs can be used in comparison to modern photographs to illustrate the extent of glacial recession that has occurred in the Park since 1925.
Robust adaptive dynamic programming for sensorimotor control with signal-dependent noise

As human beings, we coordinate movements and interact with our environment through sensory information and motor adaptation in our daily lives. Many characteristics of these interactions can be studied using optimization-based models, which assume that the precise knowledge of both the sensorimotor system and its interacting environment is available for the central nervous system (CNS). However, when static and dynamic uncertainties are present, the previously developed optimization models may fail to explain how the CNS can adapt to the uncertainties and still coordinate the movement. In this paper, we attempt to propose a novel computational mechanism for sensorimotor control from a perspective of robust adaptive dynamic programming (RADP). It is suggested that, instead of identifying the system dynamics of both the motor system and the environment, the CNS computes iteratively a robust optimal control policy for movement, using the real-time sensory data. With the help of numerical analysis and simulations, it is observed that the proposed model can reproduce movement trajectories which are consistent with experimental data. Consequently, we conjecture that, in order to achieve successful adaptation, this RADP-type mechanism may be used by the CNS of humans to coordinate movements in the presence of static/dynamic arising in the sensorimotor system.
Quantum dots coupled to chip-based dielectric resonators via DNA origami mediated assembly(Conference Presentation)

Interfacing of single photon emitters, such as quantum dots, with photonic nanocavities enables study of fundamental quantum electrodynamic phenomena. In such experiments, the inability to precisely position quantum emitters at the nanoscale usually limits the ability to control spontaneous emission, despite sophisticated control of optical density of states by cavity design. Thus, effective light-matter interactions in photonic nanostructures strongly depend on deterministic positioning of quantum emitters. In this work by using directed self-assembly of DNA origami we demonstrate deterministic coupling of quantum dots with gallium phosphide (GaP) dielectric whispering gallery mode resonators design to enhance CdSe quantum dot emission at 600nm-650nm. GaP microdisk and microring resonators are dry-etched through 200nm layer of gallium phosphide on silicon dioxide/silicon substrates. Our simulations show that such GaP resonators may have quality factors up to 10^5, which ensures strong light-matter interaction. On the top surface of microresonators, we write binding sites in the shape of DNA origami using electron beam lithography, and use oxygen plasma exposure to chemically activate these binding sites. DNA origami self-assembly is accomplished by placing DNA origami – quantum dot complexes into these binding sites. This approach allows us to achieve deterministic placement of the quantum dots with a few nm precision in position relative to the resonator. We will report photoluminescence spectroscopy and lifetime measurements of quantum dot – resonator deterministic coupling to probe the cavity-enhanced spontaneous emission rate. Overall, this approach offers precise control of emitter positioning in nanophotonic structures, which is a critical step for scalable quantum information processing.
Neuronal Protein 3.1 Deficiency Leads to Reduced Cutaneous Scar Collagen Deposition and Tensile Strength due to Impaired Transforming Growth Factor-β1 to -β3 Translation

Neuronal protein 3.1 (P311), a conserved RNA-binding protein, represents the first documented protein known to stimulate transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to -β3 translation in vitro and in vivo . Because TGF-βs play critical roles in fibrogenesis, we initiated efforts to define the role of P311 in skin scar formation. Here, we show that P311 is up-regulated in skin wounds and in normal and hypertrophic scars. Genetic ablation of p311 resulted in a significant decrease in skin scar collagen deposition. Lentiviral transfer of P311 corrected the deficits, whereas down-regulation of P311 levels by lentiviral RNA interference reproduced the deficits seen in P311 −/− mice. The decrease in collagen deposition resulted in scars with reduced stiffness but also reduced scar tensile strength. In vitro studies using murine and human dermal fibroblasts showed that P311 stimulated TGF-β1 to -β3 translation, a process that involved eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit b as a P311 binding partner. This resulted in increased TGF-β levels/activity and increased collagen production. In addition, P311 induced dermal fibroblast activation and proliferation. Finally, exogenous TGF-β1 to -β3, each restituted the normal scar phenotype. These studies demonstrate that P311 is required for the production of normal cutaneous scars and place P311 immediately up-stream of TGF-βs in the process of fibrogenesis. Conditions that decrease P311 levels could result in less tensile scars, which could potentially lead to higher incidence of dehiscence after surgery.
Complex and Noncentrosymmetric Stacking of Layered Metal Dichalcogenide Materials Created by Screw Dislocations

The interesting and tunable properties of layered metal dichalcogenides heavily depend on their phase and layer stacking. Here, we show and explain how the layer stacking and physical properties of WSe2 are influenced by screw dislocations. A one-to-one correlation of atomic force microscopy and high- and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy of many dislocated WSe2 nanoplates reveals variations in the number and shapes of dislocation spirals and different layer stackings that are determined by the number, rotation, and location of the dislocations. Plates with triangular dislocation spirals form noncentrosymmetric stacking that gives rise to strong second-harmonic generation and enhanced photoluminescence, plates with hexagonal dislocation spirals form the bulk 2H layer stacking commonly observed, and plates containing mixed dislocation shapes have intermediate noncentrosymmetric stackings with mixed properties. Multiple dislocation cores and other complexities can lead to more complex stackings and propertie...
A Framework for Patient State Tracking by Classifying Multiscalar Physiologic Waveform Features

Objective: state-of-the-art algorithms that quantify nonlinear dynamics in physiologic waveforms are underutilized clinically due to their esoteric nature. We present a generalizable framework for classifying multiscalar waveform features, designed for patient-state tracking directly at the bedside. Methods: an artificial neural network classifier was designed to evaluate multiscale waveform features against a fingerprint database of multifractal synthetic time series. The results are mapped into a physiologic state space for near real-time patient-state tracking. Results: the framework was validated on cardiac beat-to-beat dynamics processed with the multiscale entropy algorithm, and assessed using PhysioNet databases. We then applied our algorithm to predict 28-day mortality for sepsis patients, and found it had greater prognostic accuracy than standard clinical severity scores. Conclusion: we developed a novel framework to classify multiscale features of beat-to-beat dynamics, and performed an initial clinical validation to demonstrate that our approach generates a robust quantification of a patient's state, compatible with real-time bedside implementations. Significance: the framework generates meaningful and actionable patient-specific information, and could facilitate the dissemination of a new class of “always-on” diagnostic tools.
Effects of numerical dissipation on the interpretation of simulation results in computational fluid dynamics

Abstract The accuracy of direct and large-eddy simulations (DNS and LES) is typically assessed through a time consuming process of multiple runs and comparisons with available benchmark data. The goal is to achieve physically representative results by minimizing truncation errors in DNS, along with subgrid-scale modeling errors when performing LES. We show that even if these errors cannot be neglected, the physical accuracy can be improved if the numerical dissipation is properly accounted for in interpreting the results. Based on the balance of kinetic energy proposed by Schranner et al. [21], the method allows to compute the numerical dissipation rate and the numerical viscosity at each time step in a simulation for an arbitrary computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. We demonstrate that the quantitative knowledge of the numerical dissipation can be employed to better understand results obtained using dissipative CFD codes. We consider two different cases: DNS for a weakly turbulent wake past a sphere at R e = 1000 performed using the OpenFOAM solver, and LES of a laminar separation bubble flow at R e = 100 , 000 performed using a compact difference solver with stabilizing filters. The procedure is used to show that results of nominally under-resolved DNS (UDNS) can be re-interpreted as corresponding to LES results or to DNS results but for a different, effective Reynolds number that accounts for the total dissipation, consisting of the numerical dissipation and of the viscous dissipation. In both cases, comparison with benchmark data is much improved compared with cases when the nominal values used in the code are employed.
Variation in Mandibular Postcanine Dental Morphology and Hominin Species Representation in Member 4, Sterkfontein, South Africa

The hominin fossils from the Member 4 deposit at Sterkfontein, South Africa are most commonly attributed to Australopithecus africanus. However, a number of studies have suggested that they represent more than one species, although there is no consensus among those who recognize two (or more) taxa in this sample as to the allocation of individual specimens. We examine crown size and proportional cusp areas of the mandibular postcanine teeth, which constitute the bulk of the Sterkfontein Member 4 assemblage, to determine whether the degree of variation in it exceeds that of a single, highly dimorphic hominid species, Gorilla gorilla. The Lewontin CV ratio test, the Fligner-Killeen test and ordination of taxonomic distances via multidimensional scaling were employed to evaluate the degree of variation in the fossil and recent samples at each premolar and molar position. Sterkfontein (and combined Sterkfontein and Makapansgat) sample variation is significantly greater than that of the gorilla with regard to crown areas of the P3 and P4, relative P3 metaconid size, and the MD diameter of the P4. While the difference in P3 metaconid size variability can be attributed to functional differences in this tooth between Gorilla and Australopithecus, the exaggerated premolar size variation at Sterkfontein defies such explanation. Those instances in which the Sterkfontein molar sample exhibits significantly greater variability are related to the expression of accessory cuspulids (C6 and/or C7) and the protostylid. Because these same features vary in incidence and expression in other fossil hominin species and among modern human populations, it would seem imprudent to attribute such variation to taxonomic heterogeneity in the Sterkfontein assemblage. Variation in Sterkfontein premolar crown size is intriguing and, perhaps in concert with the size variation that has been documented for Sterkfontein M2s, may hint at taxonomic heterogeneity. However, it may also be related to temporal heterogeneity if the Sterkfontein Member 4 deposit comprises a substantial time aggregate, as has been suggested. Indeed, time and heightened levels of sexual dimorphism have been cited in explanation for exaggerated variability in other fossil hominin assemblages that are interpreted as representing a single species. In this light, our results do not necessarily contradict the hypothesis that a single, polymorphic species, A. africanus, is represented in the Sterkfontein Member 4 deposit.
What Are You Doing With That Object? Comparing the Neural Responses of Action Understanding in Adolescents With and Without Autism

Understanding another's actions, including what they are doing and why they are doing it, can be difficult for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This understanding is supported by the action observation (AON) and mentalizing (MZN) networks, as well as the superior temporal sulcus. We examined these areas in children with ASD and typically developing controls by having participants view eating and placing actions performed in conventional and unconventional ways while functional magnetic resonance images were collected. We found an effect of action-type, but not conventionality, in both groups, and a between groups difference only when viewing conventional eating actions. Findings suggest there are not global AON/MZN deficits in ASD, and observing unconventional actions may not spontaneously activate the MZN.
TRENDS OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN PATIENTS WITH COCAINE AND AMPHETAMINE ABUSE

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) related to amphetamine and cocaine abuse has been previously reported, but data on trends over the years is lacking. HCUP's Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2007-14 was utilized. AMI and amphetamine/ cocaine abuse were identified using ICD 9 - CM
The asthma mobile health study, smartphone data collected using ResearchKit

Widespread adoption of smart mobile platforms coupled with a growing ecosystem of sensors including passive location tracking and the ability to leverage external data sources create an opportunity to generate an unprecedented depth of data on individuals. Mobile health technologies could be utilized for chronic disease management as well as research to advance our understanding of common diseases, such as asthma. We conducted a prospective observational asthma study to assess the feasibility of this type of approach, clinical characteristics of cohorts recruited via a mobile platform, the validity of data collected, user retention patterns, and user data sharing preferences. We describe data and descriptive statistics from the Asthma Mobile Health Study, whereby participants engaged with an iPhone application built using Apple's ResearchKit framework. Data from 6346 U.S. participants, who agreed to share their data broadly, have been made available for further research. These resources have the potential to enable the research community to work collaboratively towards improving our understanding of asthma as well as mobile health research best practices.
Introduction to Hydrogeophysics

In this chapter, we discuss the need for improved hydrogeological characterization and monitoring approaches, and how that need has provided an impetus for the development of an area of research called hydrogeophysics. We briefly describe how this research area has evolved in recent years in response to the need to better understand and manage hydrological systems, provide discussions and tables designed to facilitate navigation through this book, and discuss the current state of the emerging discipline of hydrogeophysics.
Changing Sex Roles

Since the women’s movement first began to heighten our awareness of the roles and relative status of men and women, it has become fashionable to monitor—and issue statements about—changes in these roles. Thus we periodically hear that women have made great strides but still have a long was to go. Or we hear that women have gone too far and have lost essential qualities which will leave the culture emptier. Or we hear that women have actually not moved any distance at all—the change is ephemeral, only occurring at the level of rhetoric and trivial outward display, but not at the level of real or significant behavior.
Recycling Memory in Urban Senegal

Memory is a performative art, used for creating history in the present, and for the perpetual renegotiation of identity1. Both remembrance and obliviscence are instrumental to the way that memory accommodates the present. Obliviscence2 is not simple forgetting, but rather selective forgetting, erasing or effacing parts of the past in order to build new histories. An apt application of this process is recycling in its African sense, through which new “lives” or “careers” are found for old objects3. In a related way, visual imagery is being mobilized in contemporary cities of Senegal to reinvent the past for the purposes of the present, shifting and reshaping the boundaries of authority and of self, state and society.
Perceived Importance of Health Concerns Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults in a National, Probability-Based Phone Survey, 2017.

Perceptions of the importance of health problems can drive advocacy, policy change, resource distribution, and individual behaviors. However, little is known about how lesbian, gay, bisexual, and t...
High-Frequency Scattering from Water Saturated Sandy Sediments: Laboratory Study

Abstract : The long-term goal of this research is to better understand the physics and mechanisms of sound-seabed interaction, including acoustic penetration, propagation, attenuation and scattering in marine sediments using a laboratory study approach.
Rethinking the Contemporary Art Fairs Through the Viewpoint of Assemblage Theory: A Case Study of ART021 from Shanghai

Approaching the study of the current over-supply of Contemporary Art Fairs from the viewpoint of assemblage theory is what we explored value within this paper. Base on the literature review of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) that gives us an enlightening vocabulary and framework to approach how Art021 built their business network. We connect the case from contemporary art market to analysis the specific art collaborations. The network assembled a number of galleries, collectors, art media and public attending in a certain location and time to construct various projects, campaigns, and exchange. This study set out with the aim of shaping the co-create interest among different stakeholders and describe their marketing solution during the art fair.
A two-dimensional, adaptive finite element approach for simulation of backward erosion piping

Abstract Backward erosion piping (BEP) is a type of internal erosion that significantly contributes to internal erosion being a leading cause of levee and dam failures, second only to overtopping. Despite its significance, very few numerical or analytical tools exist for assessing the progression of backward erosion pipes. Further, existing tools do not automatically refine the mesh near the pipe tip, nor do they automatically search for the weakest erosion path in the foundation. Both features are critical for assessing piping when conditions along the pipe path vary due to natural geologic variability or engineered features such as filter trenches and partial cutoff walls. In the present study, a two-dimensional, auto-adaptive, finite element program has been developed that solves the coupled groundwater flow and erosion pipe flow equations in a piecewise, steady-state manner to simulate BEP progression using automated, local mesh refinement. Criteria for pipe advancement and pipe widening are presented that permit pipe growth through the mesh along the path of least resistance, and an approximation to account for foundation depth is introduced. Examples are presented in which BEP progression is simulated beneath a levee to illustrate the analysis method.
NLRP9 in innate immunity and inflammation

The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing receptors (NLRs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins. Several members of NLRs, notably NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRC4, are able to form cytosolic oligomeric signalling platforms termed inflammasomes to mediate immune response towards pathogens, damage and stress. However, the functions of many NLRs still remain elusive. In the past few years, a couple of less-characterized NLR members are emerging as important signalling molecules with fundamental functions in host defence and inflammation. Among them, NLRP9 is an NLR originally proposed to be expressed and function solely in the reproductive system. Recent evidence has suggested that NLRP9 is also capable of initiating inflammasome formation in the intestine to restrict replication and damage brought by rotavirus infection. Here, we highlight the latest progress in characterization of the role of NLRP9 in infectious and inflammatory diseases, as well as the newest crystallographic and biochemical studies on NLRP9. Finally, we discuss some important questions remained to be answered regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing NLRP9's function in innate immunity and inflammation.