Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rotational effects in the band oscillator strengths and predissociation linewidths for the lowest Πu1–XΣg+1 transitions of N2

A coupled-channel Schrodinger equation (CSE) model of N2 photodissociation, which includes the effects of all interactions between the b, c, and oΠu1 and the C and C′Πu3 states, is employed to study the effects of rotation on the lowest-υΠu1–XΣg+1(υ,0) band oscillator strengths and Πu1 predissociation linewidths. Significant rotational dependences are found which are in excellent agreement with recent experimental results, where comparisons are possible. New extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) photoabsorption spectra of the key bΠu1←XΣg+1(3,0) transition of N2 are also presented and analyzed, revealing a b(υ=3) predissociation linewidth peaking near J=11. This behavior can be reproduced only if the triplet structure of the C state is included explicitly in the CSE-model calculations, with a spin-orbit constant A≈15cm−1 for the diffuse C(υ=9) level which accidentally predissociates b(υ=3). The complex rotational behavior of the b–X(3,0) and other bands may be an important component in the modeling of EUV transmissio.
Fitness Is Strongly Influenced by Rare Mutations of Large Effect in a Microbial Mutation Accumulation Experiment

Our understanding of the evolutionary consequences of mutation relies heavily on estimates of the rate and fitness effect of spontaneous mutations generated by mutation accumulation (MA) experiments. We performed a classic MA experiment in which frequent sampling of MA lines was combined with whole genome resequencing to develop a high-resolution picture of the effect of spontaneous mutations in a hypermutator (ΔmutS) strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After ∼644 generations of mutation accumulation, MA lines had accumulated an average of 118 mutations, and we found that average fitness across all lines decayed linearly over time. Detailed analyses of the dynamics of fitness change in individual lines revealed that a large fraction of the total decay in fitness (42.3%) was attributable to the fixation of rare, highly deleterious mutations (comprising only 0.5% of fixed mutations). Furthermore, we found that at least 0.64% of mutations were beneficial and probably fixed due to positive selection. The majority of mutations that fixed (82.4%) were base substitutions and we failed to find any signatures of selection on nonsynonymous or intergenic mutations. Short indels made up a much smaller fraction of the mutations that were fixed (17.4%), but we found evidence of strong selection against indels that caused frameshift mutations in coding regions. These results help to quantify the amount of natural selection present in microbial MA experiments and demonstrate that changes in fitness are strongly influenced by rare mutations of large effect.
Pertussis toxin promoter sequences involved in modulation

Previous analysis of the pertussis toxin (PT) promoter has shown that expression of PT requires a trans-activating factor encoded by the vir locus and a 170-base-pair DNA sequence upstream from the transcription start site containing a 21-base-pair direct repeat sequence crucial trans-activation (R. Gross and R. Rappuoli, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:3913-3917, 1988). In this paper we extend the analysis to the modulative response to environmental stimuli. We show that modulation acts at the transcriptional level and occurs only in phase I bacteria. Modulation also requires a functional vir locus and the same promoter region of 170 base pairs. We show that, in addition to the previously identified direct repeat, even the sequences downstream from position -117 are required for trans-activation and modulation and that the deletion of four cytosine residues at position -31 causes the inactivation of the promoter. The kinetics of the change in transcription show that the PT promoter can be shut off very rapidly by adding 50 mM MgSO4 to the medium, whereas resumption of transcription after removal of the modulative agents from the medium is slow.
Reviewing Polycrystalline Mercuric Iodide X-Ray Detectors

Polycrystalline films of HgI2, which are used as nuclear radiation detectors, are fabricated by two different methods, either by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or glued with a polymeric binder called also "Particle in Binder" (PIB). Both types of PVD or PIB Detectors are deposited directly on Thin Film Transistor TFT technology imagers and can be used for X-ray imaging. The present review is concentrated on PVD- Polycrystalline-HgI2. However, the main review body is a summary of the work performed by RTR, HU, and Varian. Works by other groups are mentioned briefly. The PVD process is explained by reviewing X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) data. The charge transport properties of the PVD-Polycrystalline HgI2 detectors as they improved with R&D efforts are shown. The response of these PVD detectors to 241Am and 57Co gamma rays and their X-ray imaging properties such as dark currents, sensitivity, imaging resolution and Detector Quantum Efficiency (DQE) are reviewed
Nonsingular FRW cosmology and nonlinear electrodynamics

The possibility to avoid the cosmic initial singularity as a consequence of nonlinear effects on the Maxwell eletromagnetic theory is discussed. For a flat FRW geometry we derive the general nonsingular solution supported by a magnetic field plus a cosmic fluid and a nonvanishing vacuum energy density. The nonsingular behavior of solutions with a time-dependent $\Lambda(t)$-term are also examined. As a general result, it is found that the functional dependence of $\Lambda(t)$ can uniquely be determined only if the magnetic field remains constant. All these models are examples of bouncing universes which may exhibit an inflationary dynamics driven by the nonlinear corrections of the magnetic field.
Citation Analysis of Keratoconus 1900–2013: The Most Influential Publications, Authors, Institutions, and Journals

PurposeThe objectives of this study were to identify the 250 most highly cited publications on keratoconus and to identify trends in topics and distinguish the most influential authors, journals, and institutions in the field. DesignThis was a database study. MethodsThe authors searched the Web of Science database using the keyword “keratoconus. ” The results were refined to articles and reviews only, years 1900 to 2013, and sorted by citation count. The 250 most cited, relevant publications to keratoconus were identified, and citation analysis of the authors, topics, journals, institutions, and countries was performed. ResultsFrom the 3030 records identified, the most cited 250 publications were all published in the last 60 years. Publication numbers rose exponentially from the early 1960s, and citation rates have mirrored this. For the 250 most cited publications, the top 25 authors contributed to 60.2% (mean, 6.1 ± 2.3 publications per author), and the top 25 institutions contributed to 57.6%. The mean citation count per article was 80.7 ± 62.4. Twelve journal titles contained 89.2% of the 250 most cited articles, and greater than 47.6% of publications originated from the United States. The major subtopics were corneal transplantation (31.2%), diagnostic instruments (17.6%), and structural and molecular analyses (17.6%). ConclusionsThere has been an exponential increase in the body of knowledge on keratoconus in the last 60 years. This interest has been driven by refractive surgery related keratectasia, the emergence of better imaging technologies, and effective treatments.
Radio emission from AGN detected by the VLA FIRST survey

Using the most recent (April 2003) version of the VLA FIRST survey radio catalog, we have searched for radio emission from >2800 AGN taken from the most recent (2001) version of the Veron-Cetty and Veron AGN catalog. These AGN lie in the ∼9033 square degrees of sky already covered by the VLA FIRST survey. Our work has resulted in positive detection of radio emission from 775 AGN of which 214 are new detections at radio wavelengths.
The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Teleglaucoma Screening Device

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and costs the American economy $2.9 billion. Teleglaucoma remotely detects glaucoma improving access to ophthalmic care in rural areas. It helps manage glaucoma more efficiently to preserve vision and reduce healthcare costs. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using healthcare provider or third-party payer perspective within rural Canada. The study population were patients at-risk of glaucoma which includes those with diabetes and/or hypertension, family history of glaucoma, adults older than 50 years, and concurrent ocular conditions in rural Alberta. Markov modelling was used to model glaucoma health states. Effectiveness was measured in Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and costs were used in Canadian dollars. Using TreeAge Pro 2009, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were developed in dollars per QALYs. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the factors affecting cost-effectiveness. Teleglaucoma had a 20% increase in ophthalmologist-referral rate; it reduced patient travel times by 61 hours and physician wait times by 30% in comparison to in-person examination (standard of care). Teleglaucoma costs $872 per patient screened which was 80% less than in-person examination. Teleglaucoma had a greater incremental effectiveness providing an additional 0.12 QALY per patient examination. It was more sensitive (86.5%) and less specific (78.6%) than in-person examination. Teleglaucoma was more cost-effective than in-person examination with an ICER of-$27,460/QALY. This indicated that teleglaucoma will save $27, 460 for each additional QALY gained. Long term benefits showed teleglaucoma prevents 24% cases of glaucoma blindness after 30 years. Teleglaucoma demonstrated improved health outcomes, as well as, cost benefits. It increases access to ophthalmic care and improves healthcare service efficiency, specifically in rural areas. Teleglaucoma is more cost-effective than current in-person examination and can improve the quality of life in glaucoma patients.
Dissolution Studies of Silicon Containing Self Setting Bone Cement

Silicon containing self setting bone cement has been prepared by adding silicon containing hydroxyapatite whisker to obtain a biomaterial having an improved resorption properties. Silicon containing calcium phosphate bone cement was composed of a-TCP: TeCP: DCPD: Si-HA whisker with a NH4H2PO4 as a setting liquid. From the XRD analysis, it was confirmed that calcium deficient hydroxyapatite phase appeared when it immersed in PBS solution. The dissolution rate of silicon containing calcium phosphate cement was measured in PBS solution and showed high dissolution rate. Based on in-vivo test, silicon containing self setting bone cement can be considered a useful material for bone bonding materials.
Synaptic Plasticity in CNGA3−/− Mice: Cone Bipolar Cells React on the Missing Cone Input and Form Ectopic Synapses with Rods

In the mammalian retina, rods and cones connect to distinct sets of bipolar cells. Rods are presynaptic to a single type of rod bipolar cell, whereas cones connect to different types of cone bipolar cells. Synaptic rewiring between cone photoreceptor terminals and rod bipolar cell dendrites has been described as a general result of photoreceptor degeneration. To investigate whether cone bipolar cells also show synaptic plasticity in the absence of cone input, we studied the connectivity of cone bipolar cell dendrites in CNGA3−/− mice, a model with specific loss of cone photoreceptor function. Dendritic connections of ON and OFF cone bipolar cells were visualized using specific cell markers or by intracellular injection with fluorescent dyes. The results show that cone bipolar cells in CNGA3−/− mice form ectopic synapses with rods. In contrast, cone bipolar cells do not form ectopic synapses with rods in CNGA3−/−Rho−/− mice, in which both types of photoreceptors are nonfunctional. In analogy with these results, we found that input-deprived rod bipolar cells form ectopic synapses with functional cones in Rho−/− mice but not with inoperable cones in the CNGA3−/−Rho−/− mouse. Our data indicate that the formation of ectopic bipolar cell synapses in the outer plexiform layer requires a functional presynaptic photoreceptor.
Visualizing monolayers with a water-soluble fluorophore to quantify adsorption, desorption, and the double layer

Significance Visualizing phase separation in monolayers at the air–water interface with fluorescence microscopy has, up to now, relied on image contrast provided by fluorescently tagged lipids. However, the tagged lipids are insoluble and cannot leave the interface, ultimately reaching high concentrations as the phase distribution changes. This can lead to alterations in phase behavior, domain shape, and fluorescence quenching. Here we show that a water-soluble dye in the subphase preferentially adsorbs into less-ordered monolayer domains and can provide quantifiable contrast in confocal microscopy images. The dye distribution in the double layer adjacent to charged monolayers can also be imaged quantitatively and used to rapidly assess the surface potential and the fractional dissociation of the monolayer lipids. Contrast in confocal microscopy of phase-separated monolayers at the air–water interface can be generated by the selective adsorption of water-soluble fluorescent dyes to disordered monolayer phases. Optical sectioning minimizes the fluorescence signal from the subphase, whereas convolution of the measured point spread function with a simple box model of the interface provides quantitative assessment of the excess dye concentration associated with the monolayer. Coexisting liquid-expanded, liquid-condensed, and gas phases could be visualized due to differential dye adsorption in the liquid-expanded and gas phases. Dye preferentially adsorbed to the liquid-disordered phase during immiscible liquid–liquid phase coexistence, and the contrast persisted through the critical point as shown by characteristic circle-to-stripe shape transitions. The measured dye concentration in the disordered phase depended on the phase composition and surface pressure, and the dye was expelled from the film at the end of coexistence. The excess concentration of a cationic dye within the double layer adjacent to an anionic phospholipid monolayer was quantified as a function of subphase ionic strength, and the changes in measured excess agreed with those predicted by the mean-field Gouy–Chapman equations. This provided a rapid and noninvasive optical method of measuring the fractional dissociation of lipid headgroups and the monolayer surface potential.
Experience With the Accuracy of Software Maintenance Task Effort Prediction Models

The paper reports experience from the development and use of eleven different software maintenance effort prediction models. The models were developed applying regression analysis, neural networks and pattern recognition and the prediction accuracy was measured and compared for each model type. The most accurate predictions were achieved applying models based on multiple regression and on pattern recognition. We suggest the use of prediction models as instruments to support the expert estimates and to analyse the impact of the maintenance variables on the maintenance process and product. We believe that the pattern recognition based models evaluated, i.e., the prediction models based on the Optimized Set Reduction method, show potential for such use. >
The Design and Implementation of a Sequence Database System

This paper discusses the design and implementation of SEQ, a database system with support for sequence data. SEQ models a sequence as an ordered collection of records, and supports a declarative sequence query language based on an algebra of query operators, thereby permitting algebraic query optimization and evaluation. SEQ has been built as a component of the PREDATOR database system that provides support for relational and other kinds of complex data as well. that could describe a wide variety of sequence data, and a query algebra that could be used to represent queries over sequences [SLR95]. We had also observed that sequence query evaluation could benefit greatly from algebraic optimizations that exploited the order information [SLR94]. This paper describes the issues that were addressed when building the SEQ sequence database system based on these ideas. There are three distinct contributions made in this paper. (1) We describe the specification of sequence queries using the SEQUIN query language. (2) We quantitatively demonstrate the importance of various storage and optimization techniques by studying their effect on performance. (3) We present a novel nested design paradigm used in PREDATOR to combine sequence ‘and relational data. SEQ is a component of the PREDATOR* multi-threaded, client-server database system which supports sequences, as well as relations and other kinds of complex data. The system uses the SHORE storage manager library [CDF+94] for lowlevel database functionality like buffer management, concurrency control and recovery. A novel design paradigm provides query processing support for multiple data types, including both sequences and relations. The system implementation has been in progress for more than a year and is currently at approximately 35,000 lines of C++ code (excluding the SHORE libraries). In this paper, the focus is on the SEQ component which provides the S&QUZN language to specify declarative sequence queries, and an optimization and execution engine to process them. The PREDATOR system is described in detail in [Ses96], and only a high-level overview is presented here.
Efficacy and Safety of Postdilatation to Reduce Paravalvular Regurgitation During Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background—Paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) is common after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and may be associated with adverse outcomes. Postdilatation (PD) has been proposed to treat PVR without being formally studied. We performed a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PD after balloon expandable TAVR. Methods and Results—Consecutive cases of TAVR were reviewed for clinical outcomes. Procedural transesophageal echocardiography imaging was reviewed for a subgroup of consecutive patients. PVR areas seen on a short-axis view were measured immediately after deployment, after PD, and at the completion of the study. Stent dimensions measured using angiography and the Paieon’s C-THV system pre- and post-PD were compared. Between May 2007 and November 2011, 259 patients underwent TAVR at our institution. PD was performed in 106 patients (41%). These patients had larger annulus, lower cover-index; more often had transfemoral access and implantation of a 26 mm valve. There was a nonsignificant greater rate of cerebrovascular events in PD patients. There was no significant difference in major aortic injury and permanent pacemaker implantation rates between groups. TTE studies were reviewed in 58 patients (35 with PD and 23 without PD). PD patients had larger PVR areas immediately after deployment (40.3±17.1 versus 15.4±14.2 mm2; P<0.0001). There was significant reduction in PVR area attributable to PD (21.7±9.3 mm2; P<0.0001). Spontaneous regression of PVR was seen in both groups. PD increased stent dimensions. Conclusions—This study demonstrates the efficacy of PD at reducing PVR in patients with greater than mild PVR after balloon-expandable TAVR.
Work environment and low back pain: the influence of occupational activities.

OBJECTIVES: To find associations between the prevalence of low back pain and occupational activities. METHODS: Interviews of a random sample of 5185 19-59 year old Danish employees analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Increased risks of low back pain were found for "vibration affecting the whole body" (odds ratio (OR) = 1.28), "physically hard work" (OR = 1.28), "frequently twisting or bending" (OR = 1.71), "standing up" (OR = 1.20), and "concentration demands" (OR = 1.28). In the analysis of dose-response relations between low back pain and the risk factors, the one year period prevalence increased with increasing exposure time during a working day to each of the risk factors. The prevalence proportion ratio for those reporting to be exposed for most of the working time were 1.30 for vibrations affecting the whole body, 1.54 for physically hard work, 1.48 for frequently twisting or bending, 1.29 for standing up, and 1.13 for concentration demands. These associations seemed to be stronger in the subset of subjects who worked for 37 hours or more per week. The population attributable fractions were 15.1% for frequently twisting or bending, 15.0% for standing up, 7.6% for concentration demands, and 4.4% for physically hard work. CONCLUSION: Vibrations affecting the whole body, physically hard work, frequently twisting or bending, standing up, and concentration demands proved to be risk factors for the occurrence of low back pain, even after controlling for age, sex, educational level, and duration of employment in a specific occupation.
A combination of liposomal sunitinib plus liposomal irinotecan and liposome co-loaded with two drugs enhanced antitumor activity in PC12-bearing mouse

Pheochromocytomas are highly angiogenic neuroendocrine tumors. The side effects of treatment with cytotoxic agents frequently outweigh the benefits. Neuroendocrine tumors are highly angiogenic, dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor and receptor (VEGFR) activation. Sunitinib has antitumor and antiangiogenic activities that target VEGFRs. We investigated the antitumor activity of liposomal sunitinib and irinotecan alone and in combination. Liposomal sunitinib and irinotecan, and liposomes co-loaded with both drugs were prepared, and antitumor activity and biodistribution were examined in nude mice bearing PC12 tumors. Liposomal sunitinib increased in life span (ILS, 14.3%) compared with free sunitinib (−17.1% ILS) with moderate tumor growth suppression, whereas liposomal irinotecan suppressed tumor growth significantly without a survival benefit compared with free irinotecan (−21.7 and −13.3% ILSs, respectively). The combination of liposomal sunitinib plus liposomal irinotecan, and liposomes co-loaded with both drugs, induced significant inhibition of tumor growth and increased life-span more than the combination of free drugs. Accumulation of irinotecan in tumors by the combination of the two liposomal drugs and liposomes co-loaded with both drugs was significantly increased compared with the combination of free drugs. This study provides novel formulations of sunitinib and irinotecan in combination for the treatment of pheochromocytoma.
Polyglutamylated Tubulin Binding Protein C1orf96/CSAP Is Involved in Microtubule Stabilization in Mitotic Spindles

The centrosome-associated C1orf96/Centriole, Cilia and Spindle-Associated Protein (CSAP) targets polyglutamylated tubulin in mitotic microtubules (MTs). Loss of CSAP causes critical defects in brain development; however, it is unclear how CSAP association with MTs affects mitosis progression. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms of the interaction of CSAP with mitotic spindles. Loss of CSAP caused MT instability in mitotic spindles and resulted in mislocalization of Nuclear protein that associates with the Mitotic Apparatus (NuMA), with defective MT dynamics. Thus, CSAP overload in the spindles caused extensive MT stabilization and recruitment of NuMA. Moreover, MT stabilization by CSAP led to high levels of polyglutamylation on MTs. MT depolymerization by cold or nocodazole treatment was inhibited by CSAP binding. Live-cell imaging analysis suggested that CSAP-dependent MT-stabilization led to centrosome-free MT aster formation immediately upon nuclear envelope breakdown without γ-tubulin. We therefore propose that CSAP associates with MTs around centrosomes to stabilize MTs during mitosis, ensuring proper bipolar spindle formation and maintenance.