Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of epoxy/copper interphases using nanoindentation

Characterization of the size and mechanical properties of interphases is essential when designing multicomponent materials. Polymer/metal composites, often found in microelectronics, are an example of such multicomponent materials, where understanding the interphase properties can provide vital information about the durability of a finished product. When nanoindentation is used to investigate the size and mechanical properties of an interphase, a common challenge is that the indenter or the stress zone formed around it are often restricted by the reinforcement, making it difficult to distinguish the mechanical property variations caused by the interphase itself from those caused by the mechanical bias effect. In addition, due to the relatively small size of the interphase, it is usually difficult to apply multiple adjacent indents in the interphase region without overlap. In this work, a testing system was developed that allows applying nanoindentation in a polymer/metal interphase region, while excluding the mechanical bias effect. We used an epoxy/Cu/epoxy system, where only one epoxy side was cured while in contact with the copper. This way, the other independently cured epoxy side can be used as a reference to determine the indent affected zone (IAZ) and account for it in the interphase measurements. Using the finite element method (FEM), we confirmed the validity of the proposed system. A method of applying multiple adjacent indentations without overlap was introduced, and nanoindentation was used to investigate the interphase between Cu and two different epoxy systems; amine-cured and anhydride-cured. Moreover, the Berkovich indenter was oriented symmetrically with respect to the Cu, in order to avoid asymmetry-associated errors. The nanoindentation results showed that a Cu layer that is only 10 nm thick still exhibits a constriction effect on the indentations in its vicinity. The amine-cured epoxy did not show any sign of interphase existence using the introduced method. In contrast, a soft interphase with a thickness of ~1.7 μm was measured by nanoindentation experiments on the anhydride-cured epoxy. Furthermore, it was shown that the proposed system can be used to determine the interphase thickness as well as its relative mechanical properties regardless of the indentation depth. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements confirmed the nanoindentation results. This system can be further used for investigating other polymer/metal interphases to better understand the factors influencing them, thus helping engineer the interphase size and properties in a way that enhances composite performance.
Fragmentation of sea bass populations in the western and eastern Mediterranean as revealed by microsatellite polymorphism

We studied the genetic structure at six microsatellite loci of the Mediterranean sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on 19 samples collected from different localities in the western and eastern Mediterranean basins. Significant divergence was found between the two basins. The distance tree showed two separate clusters of populations which matched well with geography, with the noticeable exception of one Egyptian sample which grouped within the western clade, a fact attributable to the introduction of aquaculture broodstock. No heterogeneity was observed within the western basin (θ = 0.0014 and n.s.). However, a significant level of differentiation was found among samples of the eastern Mediterranean (θ = 0.026 and p 0.001). These results match with water currents but probably not with the dispersal abilities of this fish species. We thus hypothesize that selective forces are at play which limit long–range dispersal, a fact to be taken into account in the debate about speciation processes in the marine environment.
Historical silver: storage, display, and tarnish removal

The display, storage, and cleaning of historical silver is discussed in detail along with silver tarnish and its cause. Recommended storage includes wrapping silver in good-quality tissue paper followed by sealing it in a polyethylene bag. The use of lacquers or waxes to protect silver from tarnishing while on open display is described. For closed display cases, the use of silica gel to maintain a dry environment and the use of activated carbon or a suitable commercial product to remove tarnishing gases is recommended. The principles and problems associated with tarnish removal using abrasive polishing, chemical cleaning, or galvanic cleaning are explained. -- CCI
Next-generation sequencing reveals the biological significance of the N[superscript 2],3-ethenoguanine lesion in vivo

Etheno DNA adducts are a prevalent type of DNA damage caused by vinyl chloride (VC) exposure and oxidative stress. Etheno adducts are mutagenic and may contribute to the initiation of several pathologies; thus, elucidating the pathways by which they induce cellular transformation is critical. Although N2,3-ethenoguanine (N2,3G) is the most abundant etheno adduct, its biological consequences have not been well characterized in cells due to its labile glycosidic bond. Here, a stabilized 2′-fluoro-2′deoxyribose analog of N2,3G was used to quantify directly its genotoxicity and mutagenicity. A multiplex method involving next-generation sequencing enabled a large-scale in vivo analysis, in which both N2,3G and its isomer 1,N2-ethenoguanine (1,N2G) were evaluated in various repair and replication backgrounds. We found that N2,3G potently induces G to A transitions, the same mutation previously observed in VC-associated tumors. By contrast, 1,N2G induces various substitutions and frameshifts. We also found that N2,3G is the only etheno lesion that cannot be repaired by AlkB, which partially explains its persistence. Both G lesions are strong replication blocks and DinB, a translesion polymerase, facilitates the mutagenic bypass of both lesions. Collectively, our results indicate that N2,3G is a biologically important lesion and may have a functional role in VC-induced or inflammation-driven
Effect of Cosmic Rays on Computer Memories

A method is developed for evaluating the effects of cosmic rays on computer memories and is applied to some typical memory devices. The sea-level flux of cosmic-ray particles is reviewed and the interaction of each type of particle with silicon is estimated, with emphasis on processes that produce bursts of charge. These charge pulses are then related to typical computer large-scale integrated circuit components and cosmic-ray-induced errors are estimated. The effects of shielding (such as building ceilings and walls), altitude, and solar cycle are estimated. Cosmic-ray nucleons and muons can cause errors in current memories at a level of marginal significance, and there may be a very significant effect in the next generation of computer memory circuitry. Error rates increase rapidly with altitude, which may be used for testing to make electronic devices less sensitive to cosmic rays.
Energy Metabolism in Human Renin-Gene Transgenic Rats: Does Renin Contribute to Obesity?

Renin initiates angiotensin II formation and has no other known functions. We observed that transgenic rats (TGR) overexpressing the human renin gene (hREN) developed moderate obesity with increased body fat mass and glucose intolerance compared with nontransgenic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The metabolic changes were not reversed by an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a direct renin inhibitor, or by (pro)renin receptor blocker treatment. The obese phenotype in TGR(hREN) originated from higher food intake, which was partly compensated by increases in resting energy expenditure, total thermogenesis (postprandial and exercise activity), and lipid oxidation during the first 8 weeks of life. Once established, the difference in body weight between TGR(hREN) and SD rats remained constant over time. When restricted to the caloric intake of SD, TGR(hREN) developed an even lower body weight than nontransgenic controls. We did not observe significant changes in the cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript, pro-opiomelanocortin, both anorexigenic, or neuropeptide Y, orexigenic, mRNA levels in TGR(hREN) versus SD controls. However, the mRNA level of the agouti-related peptide, orexigenic, was significantly reduced in TGR(hREN) versus SD controls at the end of the study, which indicates a compensatory mechanism. We suggest that the human renin transgene initiates a process leading to increased and early appetite, obesity, and metabolic changes not related to angiotensin II. The mechanisms are independent of any currently known renin-related effects.
Lemur Biorhythms and Life History Evolution

Microstructural data from the skeleton support the hypothesis that primate life histories are centrally regulated by a neuroendocrine rhythm, the Havers‐Halberg Oscillation (HHO). However, subfossil lemurs are outliers in HHO scaling relationships which have been discovered for primates and mammals in general. We present new data to determine whether these species represent the general strepsirrhine condition and to inform general models about neuroendocrine‐mediated life history evolution. We gathered the largest sample of HHO data from histological sections of primate teeth to date, regressing them against life history related variables such as body mass and basal metabolic rate. For all primates, mass and metabolic variables show strong and significant correlations with HHO in line with predictions. However, strepsirrhines do not follow this pattern when examined separately. Therefore, phylogeny may play an unforeseen role in governing how HHOs of specific taxa respond to ecological forces; in the case of the lemurs, which have been subjected to isolated ecologies due to living in Madagascar, these effects seem to have been especially potent. This reinforces the idea that HHO influences life history evolution in response to specific ecological selection regimes. This project was funded by NSF grants BCS‐0622479 (RTH), BCS‐0237338 and BCS‐0503988 (LRG and GTS), and 2010 Max Planck Research Award (TGB).
Abrupt oxygen decrease influences thrombosis and bleeding in stenosed and endothelium‐injured rabbit carotid arteries

Background and objective: Blood oxygen concentration decrease may be associated with haemostatic impairments. We aimed to study the effect of oxygen decrease in a rabbit model of thrombosis and bleeding. Methods: A total of 44 rabbits were anaesthetized, ventilated and monitored for blood pressure, blood arterial gas, temperature and carotid blood flow. The Folts model was used: a stenosis (75%) and an injury were carried out on the carotid artery, inducing thrombosis. Blood flow decreased as thrombus size increased until the pressure gradient was such that the thrombus was released and local arterial blood flow was suddenly restored. This is known as a cyclic flow reduction. After counting baseline cyclic flow reductions during a 20‐min period (P1), rabbits were randomized blindly to one of three groups: hyperoxic, FiO2=100%; normoxic, FiO2 was decreased to obtain a PaO2 between 80 and 120 mmHg; hypoxic, PaO2 < 80 mmHg. Then CFRs were recorded over a second 20‐min period (P2). At the end of the experiment, a hepatosplenic section was done and the amount of blood loss was recorded. After each period, the following parameters were measured: blood gas, ear‐immersion bleeding time, haemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen. Results: Oxygen decrease during hypoxic and normoxic periods was associated with a decrease in cyclic flow reductions. Bleeding time increased in the hypoxic group unless hepatosplenic bleeding remained stable. A slight increase in activated partial thromboplastin time was observed in the normoxic and hypoxic groups. Conclusion: An abrupt decrease in oxygen administration was responsible for an antithrombotic effect. Increase in bleeding time occurred during hypoxia. No clinically relevant variation of any haemostasis parameters was observed.
Trimolecular Complex Formation of IgE, FcεRI, and a Recombinant Nonanaphylactic Single-Chain Antibody Fragment with High Affinity for IgE 1

IgE is a central molecule in allergic disease. We have isolated cDNAs coding for the heavy and light chains of a murine mAb specific to human IgE and expressed a recombinant single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) derived thereof in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant ScFv has a molecular mass of 28 kDa as measured by mass spectrometry and shows a β-sheet fold as determined by circular dichroism. In biosensor-based studies it was demonstrated that the ScFv rapidly and stably binds to human IgE with an affinity of KD of 1.52 × 10−10 M, which is almost as high as the affinity of IgE for FcεRI, and that the ScFv is able to recognize FcεRI-bound IgE and to prevent IgE binding to FcεRI. The ScFv reacts specifically with IgE but not with other isotypes, allows the measurement of allergen-specific IgE in serum samples, and specifically targets cells that contain FcεRI- or FcεRII-bound IgE or that secrete IgE. Using negative-stain electron microscopy we demonstrated the formation of bimolecular complexes consisting of two ScFv molecules and one IgE and trimolecular complexes consisting of IgE, FcεRI, and ScFv in which only one ScFv is able to bind to IgE. Accordingly, we found that the ScFv does not cross-link basophil-bound IgE and hence does not induce histamine release or activation of basophils as demonstrated by FACS analysis of CD203c expression and by histamine release experiments. In vivo skin testing confirmed the lack of allergenic activity of the ScFv. The recombinant ScFv may represent a universal tool for the IgE-targeted treatment of allergies.
Effect of separate calcium feeding and a limited feeding program on the metabolizable energy of the diet and on nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus retention in laying hens.

We first carried out an 8-day balance study with 8 laying hens fed ad libitum a low Ca diet (0.30 p. 100 Ca) and a maximum of 14 g/day/hen of seashells in order to study whether totally separate Ca feeding (SCF) would increase the corrected metabolizable energy (cME) value of the diet and the retention of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. These experimental birds (group 2) were compared to 7 control birds (group 1) fed ad libitum a normal Ca diet (3.7 p. 100 Ca). During egg-forming (L0) days, the SCF treatment induced significant increases (table 2) in feed intake (121 vs 110 g/d) and in corrected metabolized energy (377 vs 342 Kcal/d). Neither the cME value nor N, P or Ca retention was significantly modified. During the non-egg-forming (L) days, the SCF treatment (table 4) considerably decreased Ca source intake (3.8 vs 11.8 g/d), resulting in a negative Ca balance and an increase in the cME value of the ingested feed mixture (2988 vs 2685 Kcal/kgl. However, the difference was not significant (3087 vs 2984) when Ca intake was corrected. When all the types of days were pooled (L + 0 + LO), the recorded effects of SCF were about the
Direct Control of Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis by Central Nervous System Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Signaling

We studied interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) activity in wild-type (WT) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R)–deficient mice after the administration of the proglucagon-derived peptides (PGDPs) glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), glucagon (GCG), and oxyntomodulin (OXM) directly into the brain. Intracerebroventricular injection of PGDPs reduces body weight and increases iBAT thermogenesis. This was independent of changes in feeding and insulin responsiveness but correlated with increased activity of sympathetic fibers innervating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Despite being a GCG receptor agonist, OXM requires GLP-1R activation to induce iBAT thermogenesis. The increase in thermogenesis in WT mice correlates with increased expression of genes upregulated by adrenergic signaling and required for iBAT thermogenesis, including PGC1a and UCP-1. In spite of the increase in iBAT thermogenesis induced by GLP-1R activation in WT mice, Glp1r−/− mice exhibit a normal response to cold exposure, demonstrating that endogenous GLP-1R signaling is not essential for appropriate thermogenic response after cold exposure. Our data suggest that the increase in BAT thermogenesis may be an additional mechanism whereby pharmacological GLP-1R activation controls energy balance.
Understanding-Misunderstanding

Understanding-misunderstanding is an intrinsic part of being human. It is understanding that might be said to underscore all communication. This article is an in-depth exploration of the philosophical views regarding human understanding from some of the greatest philosophers in history, and a glimpse into the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and nursing in their views on human understanding or related concepts. Human understanding-misunderstanding is supported in the literature as a paradox—one that continues to be mysterious and illimitable. In fact, it is the belief of this author, in every human encounter, one cannot not understand-misunderstand.
Distinct T Cell Subsets and Cytokine Production in Cultures Derived from transformation Zone and Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Biopsies of the Uterine Cervix

Jacobs N, Renard I, Al‐Saleh W, Hubert P, Doyen J, Kedzia W, Boniver J, Delvenne P. Distinct T cell subsets and Cytokine production in cultures derived from transformation zone and squamous intraepithelial lesion biopsies of the uterine cervix. AJRI 2003; 49:6–13 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003
Role of Rubella Virus Glycoprotein Domains in Assembly of Virus-Like Particles

ABSTRACT Rubella virus is a small enveloped positive-strand RNA virus that assembles on intracellular membranes in a variety of cell types. The virus structural proteins contain all of the information necessary to mediate the assembly of virus-like particles in the Golgi complex. We have recently identified intracellular retention signals within the two viral envelope glycoproteins. E2 contains a Golgi retention signal in its transmembrane domain, whereas a signal for retention in the endoplasmic reticulum has been localized to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of E1 (T. C. Hobman, L. Woodward, and M. G. Farquhar, Mol. Biol. Cell 6:7–20, 1995; T. C. Hobman, H. F. Lemon, and K. Jewell, J. Virol. 71:7670–7680, 1997). In the present study, we have analyzed the role of these retention signals in the assembly of rubella virus-like particles. Deletion or replacement of these domains with analogous regions from other type I membrane glycoproteins resulted in failure of rubella virus-like particles to be secreted from transfected cells. The E1 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains were not required for targeting of the structural proteins to the Golgi complex and, surprisingly, assembly and budding of virus particles into the lumen of this organelle; however, the resultant particles were not secreted. In contrast, replacement or alteration of the E2 transmembrane or cytoplasmic domain, respectively, abrogated the targeting of the structural proteins to the budding site, and consequently, no virion formation was observed. These results indicate that the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of E2 and E1 are required for early and late steps respectively in the viral assembly pathway and that rubella virus morphogenesis is very different from that of the structurally similar alphaviruses.
Statistical Analysis of Self-Organizing Networks With Biased Cell Association and Interference Avoidance

In this paper, we assess the viability of heterogeneous networks composed of legacy macrocells, which are underlaid with self-organizing picocells. Aiming to improve coverage, cell-edge throughput, and overall system capacity, self-organizing solutions, such as range expansion bias, an almost blank subframe (ABS), and distributed antenna systems, are considered. Herein, stochastic geometry is used to model network deployments, whereas higher order statistics through the cumulants concept is utilized to characterize the probability distribution of received power and aggregate interference at the user of interest. A comprehensive analytical framework is introduced to evaluate the performance of such self-organizing networks in terms of outage probability and average channel capacity with respect to the tagged receiver. To conduct our studies, we consider a shadowed fading channel model incorporating lognormal shadowing and Nakagami-m fading. Results show that the analytical framework matches well with numerical results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. We also observed that by simply using ABSs, the aggregate interference at the tagged receiver is reduced by about 8 dB. Although more elaborated, interference control techniques such as downlink bitmap and distributed antennas systems become needed when the density of picocells in the underlaid tier gets high.
The Action of Chlorambucil (CB. 1348) and Busulphan (Myleran) on the Haemopoietic Organs of the Rat

ELSON (1955) has described the effects on the peripheral blood counts of the rat of a typical ‘nitrogen mustard’, chloranibucil (CB. 1348, p-di-(2-chloroethyl)-aniinophenylbutyric acid (Cl.CH,.CH,),N.C,H,[ CH,],. CO,H) and of a dimesyloxyalkane, busulphan (Myleran). The effects were compared with those brought about by total-body X-irradiation and it was shown that the sequence of events following irradiation could be more faithfully reproduced by suitable combinations of the two drugs than by either alone. In this report we describe the effects of chlorambucil and of busulphan on the haemopoietic organs of the rat. Rats treated with single doses of busulphan of the order of zo mg. per kg. of body weight, die 10 to 12 days later from massive gastro-intestinal haemorrhage secondary to thrombocytopenia. Single doses of chlorambucil of the order of 18 mg. per kg. of body weight, however, kill within an hour of administration by causing toxic convulsions. Although well tolerated, single doses of chlorambucil (12.5 mg. per kg. of body weight) or of busulphan (IS mg. per kg.) caused more profound damage to the haemopoietic organs than might have been suspected from consideration of the clinical condition and the effects on the blood counts. Clinical disturbance was slight and recovery was complete I week after chloranibucil and z weeks after busulphan. Recovery in the haemopoietic tissues was still not complete 3 weeks after chlorambucil and 4 weeks after busulphan. These doses seemed more likely to disclose differences in mechanism of action than larger doses and were used in most of the experiments rcported here.
Towards the development of an automated, Web-based, horizon scanning system

Horizon scanning is an increasingly important part of management decision making in all sectors. It involves the systematic search for incipient trends, opportunities and constraints that might affect the probability of achieving management goals and objectives. This requires the continuous acquisition of up-to-date information to anticipate issues, collect data about them and thus inform critical decisions. Although horizon scanning has its roots in the pre-electronic information era, it has blossomed with the availability of electronic databases and Web-based information. In this paper, we propose the implementation of a horizon scanning system centred on the use of keyword-based, Web search engines. By leveraging the existing infrastructure of proven search engines, our system aims to automate the humanintensive process of seeking information and emerging trends. A prototype application that integrates the software that we plan to use has been developed to accompany this paper, and we discuss the potential for its application.