Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cord Stresses in Inflated Tires

In order to calculate the stresses in the cords of an inflated tire, membrane theory is applied to the cord body. The equation describing the tire surface in terms of tire con struction parameters and cord properties has been given in the literature, but no solu tions have been reported, probably due to its complexity. A solution of this equation, obtained by numerical techniques on a digital electronic computer, is presented in this paper. It is shown how this equation is combined with the equilibrium equations of the surface and how the force components in the principal directions are determined and the cord stresses calculated. The cord stresses in inflated tires are nonuniform, decreas ing from crown to bead. The deformation of a simple cord network is considered, and it is shown how the cord stretch during tire expansion can be determined. It is found that the cord undergoes nonuniform stretch and shrinkage from crown to bead. These calcuations have been confirmed by experimental x-ray measurements on metal-shadowed cord. It is sug gested that the calculated and observed nonuniform cord stretch and shrinkage during tire expansion and curing are a direct result of the nonuniform cord tension.
Frontosubcortical neuroanatomy and the continuous performance test in mania.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined whether Continuous Performance Test scores correlate with frontosubcortical volumes in bipolar disorder. METHOD The subjects were 17 patients hospitalized for an acute manic episode and 12 group-matched comparison subjects. They underwent magnetic resonance imaging and completed the Continuous Performance Test. RESULTS The patients performed worse on the Continuous Performance Test and had smaller prefrontal cortical volumes than the comparison subjects. Within the patient group, Continuous Performance Test performance significantly correlated with prefrontal and hippocampal volumes. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that certain neuroanatomic structures may be associated with attentional dysfunction in mania.
Temporary consequences of tillage and manure applications on soil pore characteristics and structural stability in semi-arid region

Poor results have been obtained with reduced tillage practices in Iran mainly because of high soil bulk density and resistance to penetration, especially in heavy soils with low organic carbon of semi-arid regions. Organic amendments such as manure are expected to cause changes in soil physical attributes. The objective of this study was to evaluate short-term changes in pore characteristics and structural stability of a sandy loam soil (fine loamy, mixed, mesic Calcixerollic Xerochrepts, USDA) under corn (Zea mays L.) crop due to different management treatments. The interactive influences of tillage (no-till, NT; chisel plow, CP; and moldboard plow, MP) and composted cattle manure applications [0, 30 and 60 Mg (dry weight) ha-1] were assessed. The tillage and manure applications were applied as main plots and subplots, respectively, in a split-plot arrangement. Three replicates of the treatments were used in a randomized block design. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), total porosity (TP), macro-porosity (Macro-P), micro-porosity (Micro-P) and mean weight diameter (MWD) were measured. Soil sampling was done at different layers up to 30 cm depth when 100 percent of the tassels appeared. Tillage and manure combinations had significant effects on Ks, TP, Macro-P and Micro-P. The MP system increased pore space and continuity due to complete inversion and loosening so that Ks, TP, Macro-P and Micro-P were higher than NT system. The higher Macro- P observed under CP might cause the higher Ks when compared with MP. Reduced tillage systems could increase MWD and as the increment of manure application rate caused an increase in MWD over all tillage treatments. The results indicated temporary positive effects of manure application on soil pore characteristics and structural stability under moldboard and chisel plowings in the semi-arid region.
Firefly Luciferase and Rluc8 Exhibit Differential Sensitivity to Oxidative Stress in Apoptotic Cells

Over the past decade, firefly Luciferase (fLuc) has been used in a wide range of biological assays, providing insight into gene regulation, protein-protein interactions, cell proliferation, and cell migration. However, it has also been well established that fLuc activity can be highly sensitive to its surrounding environment. In this study, we found that when various cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, and 293T) stably expressing fLuc were treated with staurosporine (STS), there was a rapid loss in bioluminescence. In contrast, a stable variant of Renilla luciferase (RLuc), RLuc8, exhibited significantly prolonged functionality under the same conditions. To identify the specific underlying mechanism(s) responsible for the disparate sensitivity of RLuc8 and fLuc to cellular stress, we conducted a series of inhibition studies that targeted known intracellular protein degradation/modification pathways associated with cell death. Interestingly, these studies suggested that reactive oxygen species, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), was responsible for the diminution of fLuc activity. Consistent with these findings, the direct application of H2O2 to HeLa cells also led to a reduction in fLuc bioluminescence, while H2O2 scavengers stabilized fLuc activity. Comparatively, RLuc8 was far less sensitive to ROS. These observations suggest that fLuc activity can be substantially altered in studies where ROS levels become elevated and can potentially lead to ambiguous or misleading findings.
Effect of biological degradation by termites on the flexural properties of pinewood residue/recycled high‐density polyethylene composites

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are considered to be highly durable materials and immune to any type of biological attack. However, when one of these composites is exposed to accelerated weathering, its surface is affected by the appearance of cracks, which constitute an ideal access route for biotic agents. Although the destruction of wood caused by termites is recognized worldwide, information on their effects on WPC-based products is scarce. Thus, in this study, we aimed to examine the effects of termite attacks on weathered and nonweathered pinewood residue/recycled high-density polyethylene composites. In this study, WPCs with 40 wt % wood were prepared. Test samples obtained by compression molding and profile extrusion were subjected to weathering cycles for 1000 and 2000 h with a UV-type accelerated tester equipped with UVA-340 fluorescent lamps. Afterward, specimens were exposed to the attack of higher termites (Nasutitermes nigriceps) native to the Yucatan Peninsula. Subsequently, flexural mechanical essays, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed. FTIR spectroscopy and DSC showed that the surfaces of the compression-molded specimens were degraded to a higher extent because of the accelerated weathering. The microscopy results revealed that severe damage was caused by the termites on the surface of the compression-molded samples. Statistical analysis of the mechanical test results showed that biotic attack produced significant changes in the samples previously exposed to accelerated weathering. The results show that the processing method directly affected the sample performance because of differences in the surface composition. The profile-extruded composites seemed to better resist termite attack. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Intergenerational Transmission of Glucose Intolerance and Obesity by In Utero Undernutrition in Mice

OBJECTIVE—Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease during adult life. Moreover, this programmed disease risk can progress to subsequent generations. We previously described a mouse model of LBW, produced by maternal caloric undernutrition (UN) during late gestation. LBW offspring (F1-UN generation) develop progressive obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with aging. We aimed to determine whether such metabolic phenotypes can be transmitted to subsequent generations in an experimental model, even in the absence of altered nutrition during the second pregnancy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We intercrossed female and male F1 adult control (C) and UN mice and characterized metabolic phenotypes in F2 offspring. RESULTS—We demonstrate that 1) reduced birth weight progresses to F2 offspring through the paternal line (C♀-C♂ = 1.64 g; C♀-UN♂ = 1.57 g, P < 0.05; UN♀-C♂ = 1.64 g; UN♀-UN♂ = 1.60 g, P < 0.05), 2) obesity progresses through the maternal line (percent body fat: C♀-C♂ = 22.4%; C♀-UN♂ = 22.9%; UN♀-C♂ = 25.9%, P < 0.05; UN♀-UN♂ = 27.5%, P < 0.05), and 3) IGT progresses through both parental lineages (glucose tolerance test area under curve C♀-C♂ = 100; C♀-UN♂ = 122, P < 0.05; UN♀-C♂ = 131, P < 0.05; UN♀-UN♂ = 151, P < 0.05). Mechanistically, IGT in both F1 and F2 generations is linked to impaired β-cell function, explained, in part, by dysregulation of Sur1 expression. CONCLUSIONS—Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy (F0) programs reduced birth weight, IGT, and obesity in both first- and second-generation offspring. Sex-specific transmission of phenotypes implicates complex mechanisms including alterations in the maternal metabolic environment (transmaternal inheritance of obesity), gene expression mediated by developmental and epigenetic pathways (transpaternal inheritance of LBW), or both (IGT).
Multitargeted Effects of Statin-Enhanced Thrombolytic Therapy for Stroke With Recombinant Human Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in the Rat

Background— Microvascular dysfunction posttreatment of stroke with recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator (rht-PA) constrains the therapeutic window to 3 hours. Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) promote vascular thrombolysis and reduce the inflammation response. We therefore investigated the neuroprotective effects of a combination of atorvastatin and delayed rht-PA treatment in a rat model of embolic stroke. Methods and Results— Rats subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion were treated with atorvastatin in combination with rht-PA 4 hours after stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements revealed that combination treatment with atorvastatin and rht-PA blocked the expansion of the ischemic lesion, which improved neurological function compared with saline-treated rats. Real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis of single endothelial cells isolated by laser-capture microdissection from brain tissue and immunostaining showed that combination treatment downregulated expression of tissue factor, von Willebrand factor, protease-activated receptor-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, which concomitantly reduced cerebral microvascular thrombosis and enhanced microvascular integrity. Combination treatment did not increase cerebrovascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels or eNOS activity, and inhibition of NOS activity with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester did not block the beneficial effects of combination treatment on stroke. Furthermore, combination treatment compared with thrombolytic monotherapy increased cerebral blood flow and reduced infarct volume in eNOS-null mice. Conclusions— These data demonstrate that combination treatment with atorvastatin and rht-PA exerts a neuroprotective effect when administered 4 hours after stroke and that the therapeutic benefits are likely attributed to its multitargeted effects on cerebrovascular patency and integrity.
Performance of liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography in chronic hepatitis.

AIM To compare results of liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography (TE) obtained in our patients population with that used in a recently published meta-analysis. METHODS This was a single center cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients with chronic viral hepatitis scheduled for liver biopsy at the outpatient ward of our Infectious Diseases Department were enrolled. TE was carried out by using FibroScan™ (Echosens, Paris, France). Liver biopsy was performed on the same day as TE, as day case procedure. Fibrosis was staged according to the Metavir scoring system. The diagnostic performance of TE was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve analysis. RESULTS Two hundred and fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Six (2%) patients were excluded due to unreliable TE measurements. Thus, 246 (171 men and 75 women) patients were analyzed. One hundred and ninety-five (79.3%) patients had chronic hepatitis C, 41 (16.7%) had chronic hepatitis B, and 10 (4.0%) were coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus. ROC curve analysis identified optimal cut-off value of TE as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2; 7.9 kPa for F ≥ 3; 9.6 kPa for F = 4 in all patients (n = 246), and as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2; 7.3 kPa for F ≥ 3; 9.3 kPa for F = 4 in patients with hepatitis C (n = 195). Cut-off values of TE obtained by maximizing only the specificity were as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2; 9.6 kPa for F ≥ 3; 12.2 kPa for F = 4 in all patients (n = 246), and as high as 7.0 kPa for F ≥ 2; 9.3 kPa for F ≥ 3; 12.3 kPa for F = 4 in patients with hepatitis C (n = 195). CONCLUSION The cut-off values of TE obtained in this single center study are comparable to that obtained in a recently published meta-analysis that included up to 40 studies.
An Enumerative Combinatorics Model for Fragmentation Patterns in RNA Sequencing Provides Insights into Nonuniformity of the Expected Fragment Starting-Point and Coverage Profile

Abstract RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has emerged as the method of choice for measuring the expression of RNAs in a given cell population. In most RNA-seq technologies, sequencing the full length of RNA molecules requires fragmentation into smaller pieces. Unfortunately, the issue of nonuniform sequencing coverage across a genomic feature has been a concern in RNA-seq and is attributed to biases for certain fragments in RNA-seq library preparation and sequencing. To investigate the expected coverage obtained from fragmentation, we develop a simple fragmentation model that is independent of bias from the experimental method and is not specific to the transcript sequence. Essentially, we enumerate all configurations for maximal placement of a given fragment length, F, on transcript length, T, to represent every possible fragmentation pattern, from which we compute the expected coverage profile across a transcript. We extend this model to incorporate general empirical attributes such as read length, fragment length distribution, and number of molecules of the transcript. We further introduce the fragment starting-point, fragment coverage, and read coverage profiles. We find that the expected profiles are not uniform and that factors such as fragment length to transcript length ratio, read length to fragment length ratio, fragment length distribution, and number of molecules influence the variability of coverage across a transcript. Finally, we explore a potential application of the model where, with simulations, we show that it is possible to correctly estimate the transcript copy number for any transcript in the RNA-seq experiment.
Multiple rearrangements in T cell receptor alpha chain genes maximize the production of useful thymocytes

Peripheral T lymphocytes each express surface T cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta chains of a single specificity. These are produced after random somatic rearrangements in TCR alpha and beta germline genes. Published model systems using mice expressing TCR alpha and/or beta chain transgenes have shown that allelic exclusion occurs conventionally for TCR-beta. TCR alpha chain expression, however, appears to be less strictly regulated, as endogenous TCR alpha chains are often found in association with transgenic TCR beta chains in TCR alpha/beta transgenic mice. This finding, coupled with the unique structure of the TCR alpha locus, has led to the suggestion that unlike TCR beta and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes, TCR alpha genes may make multiple rearrangements on each chromosome. In the current study, we demonstrate that the majority of TCR-, noncycling thymocytes spontaneously acquire surface expression of CD3/TCR. Further, we show that cultured immature thymocytes originally expressing specific TCR alpha and beta chains may lose surface expression of the original TCR alpha, but not beta chains. These data provide evidence that not only must multiple rearrangements occur, but that TCR alpha gene rearrangement continues even after surface expression of a TCR alpha/beta heterodimer, apparently until the recombination process is halted by positive selection, or the cell dies. Sequential rearrangement of TCR alpha chain genes facilitates enhanced production of useful thymocytes, by increasing the frequency of production of both in-frame rearrangements and positively selectable TCR alpha/beta heterodimers.
Electroless Ni Plating to Compensate for Bump Height Variation in Cu–Cu 3-D Packaging

The feasibility of electroless Ni plating to compensate the Cu bump height variation in Cu-Cu 3-D packaging was investigated. After fabricating Cu pillar bump and Cu micro-stud structure on the top and bottom chips, respectively, Cu-Cu thermocompression bonding and then electroless Ni plating were sequentially carried out and evaluated using dies shear force, daisy chain resistance, and microstructure. It is found that thermocompression bonding parameter optimization and Ar plasma surface cleaning increased the Cu-Cu bond strength. The electroless Ni plating can compensate for the bump height variation of 1.9 μm in a chip with filling the gap between the Cu-pillar bump and Cu-micro-stud structure. In addition, the electroless plated Ni reduced the daisy chain resistance with the increase of the contact area. The resistance of bump daisy chains after electroless Ni plating was measured to be about 15% lower than that obtained after Cu-Cu thermocompression bonding.
Transcriptional and Mutational Analyses of theStreptomyces lividans recX Gene and Its Interference with RecA Activity

ABSTRACT The role of the 20,922-Da RecX protein and its interference with RecA activity were analyzed in Streptomyces lividans. TherecX gene is located 220 bp downstream of recA. Transcriptional analysis by reverse transcriptase PCR demonstrated thatrecX and recA constitute an operon. WhilerecA was transcribed at a basal level even under noninducing conditions, a recA-recX cotranscript was only detectable after induction of recA following DNA damage. The recA-recX cotranscript was less abundant than therecA transcript alone. The recX gene was inactivated by gene replacement. The resulting mutant had a clearly diminished colony size, but was not impaired in recombination activity, genetic instability, and resistance against UV irradiation. Expression of an extra copy of the S. lividans recA gene under control of the thiostrepton-inducible tipA promoter was lethal to the recX mutant, demonstrating that RecX is required to overcome the toxic effects of recA overexpression. Since inactivation of the recX gene did not influence transcription of recA, the putative function of the RecX protein might be the downregulation of RecA activity by interaction with the RecA protein or filament.
Visual Field Map Clusters in High-Order Visual Processing: Organization of V3A/V3B and a New Cloverleaf Cluster in the Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus

The cortical hierarchy of the human visual system has been shown to be organized around retinal spatial coordinates throughout much of low- and mid-level visual processing. These regions contain visual field maps (VFMs) that each follows the organization of the retina, with neighboring aspects of the visual field processed in neighboring cortical locations. On a larger, macrostructural scale, groups of such sensory cortical field maps (CFMs) in both the visual and auditory systems are organized into roughly circular cloverleaf clusters. CFMs within clusters tend to share properties such as receptive field distribution, cortical magnification, and processing specialization. Here we use fMRI and population receptive field (pRF) modeling to investigate the extent of VFM and cluster organization with an examination of higher-level visual processing in temporal cortex and compare these measurements to mid-level visual processing in dorsal occipital cortex. In human temporal cortex, the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) has been implicated in various neuroimaging studies as subserving higher-order vision, including face processing, biological motion perception, and multimodal audiovisual integration. In human dorsal occipital cortex, the transverse occipital sulcus (TOS) contains the V3A/B cluster, which comprises two VFMs subserving mid-level motion perception and visuospatial attention. For the first time, we present the organization of VFMs in pSTS in a cloverleaf cluster. This pSTS cluster contains four VFMs bilaterally: pSTS-1:4. We characterize these pSTS VFMs as relatively small at ∼125 mm2 with relatively large pRF sizes of ∼2–8° of visual angle across the central 10° of the visual field. V3A and V3B are ∼230 mm2 in surface area, with pRF sizes here similarly ∼1–8° of visual angle across the same region. In addition, cortical magnification measurements show that a larger extent of the pSTS VFM surface areas are devoted to the peripheral visual field than those in the V3A/B cluster. Reliability measurements of VFMs in pSTS and V3A/B reveal that these cloverleaf clusters are remarkably consistent and functionally differentiable. Our findings add to the growing number of measurements of widespread sensory CFMs organized into cloverleaf clusters, indicating that CFMs and cloverleaf clusters may both be fundamental organizing principles in cortical sensory processing.