Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NFAT2 Is an essential mediator of orthopedic particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis

Particle‐induced periprosthetic osteolysis is the major cause for orthopedic implant failure. This failure is mediated mainly by the action of osteoclasts, the principal cells responsible for bone resorption and osteolysis. Therapeutic interventions to alleviate osteolysis have been focused on understanding and targeting mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis. The nuclear transcription factor NFAT is an essential terminal differentiation factor of osteoclastogenesis. This transcription factor is known to cooperate with c‐jun/AP‐1 in mediating RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis. We have previously determined that RANKL is an essential cytokine mediator of particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis, and that PMMA particles activate JNK and c‐jun/AP‐1 in bone marrow macrophages (osteoclast precursors). In the current study, we investigated the effect of PMMA particles on the NFAT signaling pathway in osteoclast precursor cells. Our findings point out that PMMA particles stimulate nuclear translocation of NFAT2 in wild‐type osteoclast precursors, which is associated with increased osteoclastogenesis. More importantly, induction of osteoclastogenesis was selectively blocked in a dose‐dependent fashion by the calcineurin inhibitors, Cyclosporine‐A and FK506. Further, this activation was also blocked in a time‐dependent fashion by the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT. Finally, we provide novel evidence that PMMA particles induce binding of NFAT2 and AP‐1 proteins. Thus, our findings demonstrate that activation of the NFAT pathway in conjunction with MAP kinases is essential for basal and PMMA‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Dual-wavelength chaos generation and synchronization in erbium-doped fiber lasers

Dual-wavelength chaos is generated in one erbium-doped fiber laser. Tunable optical filters (TOF) are used to select the wavelengths. The generation of chaos is achieved by either modulating the pump laser diode near the relaxation oscillation frequency of the fiber laser or by introducing the modulation through an electrooptic modulator built into each wavelength branch. The receiver is fabricated with identical parameters as the transmitter except for an open loop structure. By tuning the TOF in the receiver, synchronization of chaos is observed in either of the two wavelengths. Thus, it can pave the way for wavelength-division-multiplexing chaos communications.
Design and Analysis of the New High-Reliability Motors With Hybrid Permanent Magnet Material

This paper proposes a new type of motor with hybrid permanent magnet material (HPMM); termed HPMM motor. The key of the proposed HPMM motor is the excitations, which combined rare-earth PM (REPM) with ferrite PM (FPM). To investigate the HPMM motor extensively, the HPMM motors with parallel magnetic circuit (PMC) and serial magnetic circuit (SMC) are designed. Because of the property difference between the REPM and the FPM, both PMC-HPMM motor and SMC-HPMM motor can offer low total harmonic distortion at high winding factor. Besides, the PMC-HPMM motor needs low consumption of REPM and offers low cogging torque, while the SMC-HPMM motor needs the extraordinary consumption of FPM, but offers little lower cogging torque. In addition, the reliabilities of both PMC-HPMM motor and SMC-HPMM motor are improved because of the single-layer concentrated winding and fault-tolerant teeth. Finally, the demagnetization of two motors has been studied, which indicates that the partial demagnetization will occur in the FPM. All these theoretical analyses are evaluated by the time-stepping finite element method.
A Single Missense Mutation in a Coiled-Coil Domain of Escherichia coli Ribosomal Protein S2 Confers a Thermosensitive Phenotype That Can Be Suppressed by Ribosomal Protein S1

ABSTRACT Ribosomal protein S2 is an essential component of translation machinery, and its viable mutated variants conferring distinct phenotypes serve as a valuable tool in studying the role of S2 in translation regulation. One of a few available rpsB mutants, rpsB1, shows thermosensitivity and ensures enhanced expression of leaderless mRNAs. In this study, we identified the nature of the rpsB1 mutation. Sequencing of the rpsB1 allele revealed a G-to-A transition in the part of the rpsB gene which encodes a coiled-coil domain of S2. The resulting E132K substitution resides in a highly conserved site, TKKE, a so-called N-terminal capping box, at the beginning of the second alpha helix. The protruding coiled-coil domain of S2 is known to provide binding with 16S rRNA in the head of the 30S subunit and, in addition, to interact with a key mRNA binding protein, S1. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a detrimental impact of the E132K mutation on the coiled-coil structure and thereby on the interactions between S2 and 16S rRNA, providing a clue for the thermosensitivity of the rpsB1 mutant. Using a strain producing a leaderless lacZ transcript from the chromosomal lac promoter, we demonstrated that not only the rpsB1 mutation generating S2/S1-deficient ribosomes but also the rpsA::IS10 mutation leading to partial deficiency in S1 alone increased translation efficiency of the leaderless mRNA by about 10-fold. Moderate overexpression of S1 relieved all these effects and, moreover, suppressed the thermosensitive phenotype of rpsB1, indicating the role of S1 as an extragenic suppressor of the E132K mutation.
A Three-Level Space Vector Modulation Scheme for Paralleled Converters to Reduce Circulating Current and Common-Mode Voltage

For high-power applications, paralleling converters is a popular approach to increase the power capacity of the system. Circulating current has been a major concern for the implementation of paralleled converters. This paper proposes a three-level space vector modulation (SVM) scheme for a system with two paralleled voltage-source converters (VSCs) with common-mode inductor (CMI) or single-phase inductors. The proposed scheme aims to reduce the zero-sequence circulating current (ZSCC) and the magnitude of common-mode voltage (CMV) of the system simultaneously. The ZSCC patterns with respect to modulation schemes are first analyzed to provide a clear understanding of the generation of ZSCC. Based on the analysis, the proposed three-level modulation scheme is introduced. Furthermore, performance regarding the ZSCC peak value, impact on the common-mode current (CMC), CMI scaling analysis, and switching losses are analyzed and compared with the existing methods. The proposed method has been verified in both simulation and experiment.
Performance Improvement of IPMSM Sensorless Control in Low-Speed Region Using Voltage Compensation and Parameter Identification

This paper proposes a method for improving the performance of a position sensorless control system for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor in the low-speed region. Accurate values of motor parameters are required for the model-based position sensorless control. In the case of extreme temperature variation and low-speed operation in particular, motor parameter error affects the accuracy of position estimation. In the proposed method, online parameter identification is used. Moreover the error between reference voltage and actual voltage is compensated for so as to improve the accuracy and stability of the sensorless control system. Experimental results show the effect of the proposed scheme.
Effects of probenecid on the pharmacokinetics and elimination of acyclovir in humans

The effects of probenecid on the pharmacokinetics and renal clearance of acyclovir were studied in humans. Acyclovir (5 mg/kg) was given as a 1-h infusion to three volunteers with normal renal function both before and after oral administration of probenecid (1 g). The kinetics were well described by a two-compartment open model with zero-order infusion. The mean acyclovir concentrations at all time points after 1.0 h from the end of acyclovir infusion following probenecid administration were statistically higher than the corresponding mean acyclovir concentrations following the acyclovir infusion without probenecid administration. In the absence of probenecid, the renal clearance (248 +/- 80 ml/min per 1.73 m2) accounted for 83% of the total clearance (300 +/- 69 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and was almost threefold greater than the estimated creatinine clearance (90 +/- 48 ml/min per 1.73 m2). After probenecid administration, there was a 32% decline in renal clearance (248 to 168 ml/min per 1.73 m2; P less than or equal to 0.05), a 40% increase in the area under the curve (91.3 to 127.6 nmol.h/ml; P less than 0.05), and an 18% increase in the terminal plasma half-life (2.3 to 2.7 h; P less than 0.01). Although statistically significant, these effects due to the influence of probenecid probably have only limited clinical importance. In this study we confirmed that acyclovir is eliminated predominantly by renal clearance, both by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; our results suggested that at least part of the tubular secretion is inhibited by probenecid.
Transmission Network Planning Under Security and Environmental Constraints

This paper explores the impact of CO2 emission trading on capacity planning of electric power transmission systems. Two different models for annual emission costs are assumed. The CO2 emission price is modeled as a probability density function in the transmission network planning problem. The Monte Carlo technique is deployed to simulate the CO2 emission price volatility. The transmission network planning problem is formulated as a mixed-integer optimization whose objective is to minimize the sum of annual generator operating costs and annuitized transmission investment costs over different demand levels subject to N-1 network security constraints as well as operating limits on system components. The overall problem is formulated within the framework of a linear dc optimal power flow incorporating binary decision variables to model the lumpy nature of transmission investment. A linear model of losses is also proposed and included in the dc power flow model. The proposed approach can be used to determine the most probable optimal transmission capacity. The methodology is demonstrated through case studies simulated on the IEEE 24-bus network.
Multicultural Parenting : Preparation for Bias Ethnic-Racial Socialisation in British South Asian and White Families in the UK

Ethnic-racial socialization describes how parents transmit information, perspectives and values relating to race and ethnicity to their children in highly multicultural societies such as the United Kingdom. It serves as an important parenting tool to cope with increased diversity. Preparation for bias represents one type of Ethnic-Racial Socialization, in which parents aim to make children aware of discrimination and how to deal with it. Current research in the UK has neglected this area, particularly for second generation families, members of the host society and younger children. This paper discusses qualitative findings from an in-depth cross-cultural study focusing on 90 British non-immigrant White, Indian and Pakistani families with children between 5-7 years old. The study aimed to understand mothers’ use of preparation for bias strategies in anticipation of their children experiencing discrimination or following racist incidents in highly multicultural environments using semi-structured interviews. Mothers and children from all groups were found to have experienced discrimination. Preparation for bias served as an important tool used frequently by parents with both proactive and reactive strategies used. It was reported most in the British Pakistani families and least in the British Indian families, with White families reporting intermediary use. Setting was particularly important in White families who discussed ‘informal segregation’ where they lived causing their transformation to minority members and their subsequent use of preparation socialisation. The study increases understanding of ethnic-racial socialization and will inform policy and theory on family life in relation to intercultural relations between both ethnic minority and majority groups.
Overlapping retrovirus U5 sequence elements are required for efficient integration and initiation of reverse transcription

A secondary structure in the 5' noncoding region of avian retrovirus RNA, called the U5-leader stem, was shown previously to have a role in initiation of reverse transcription (D. Cobrinik, L. Soskey, and J. Leis, J. Virol. 62:3622-3630, 1988). We now show that an additional RNA secondary structure near the U5 terminus, called the U5-IR stem, is also important for reverse transcription. Mutations that disrupt the U5-IR stem cause a replication defect associated with both a decrease in synthesis of viral DNA in infected cells and a decrease in initiation of reverse transcription in melittin-permeabilized virions. Structure-compensating base substitutions in the U5-IR restore reverse transcription efficiency. In viral DNA, U5-IR sequences are included in the U5 terminal region that functions as a viral integration donor site. When base substitutions are introduced into these sequences, a reduced efficiency of integration in vitro and in vivo is observed. These observations indicate that U5-IR sequences have a structural role in reverse transcription of viral RNA and a sequence-specific role in the integration of viral DNA.
Hysteroscopic dissemination of endometrial carcinoma using carbon dioxide and normal saline: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the likelihood of disseminating endometrial carcinoma cells into the peritoneal cavity by hysteroscopic examination using carbon dioxide (CO(2)) or normal saline (NS) as the distension medium. METHODS A retrospective study of 162 consecutive patients with endometrial carcinoma treated at a university teaching hospital from 1994 to 1999 was undertaken. All patients had a hysteroscopic examination, using either CO(2) or NS as the distension medium, as part of the investigation for abnormal uterine bleeding or in determining whether the uterine cervix was invaded by tumor. Peritoneal fluid for cytology was collected immediately upon entry into the abdominal cavity. Positive peritoneal cytology was considered the primary statistical endpoint. RESULTS Among 162 patients, 39 cases were excluded from the study because of macroscopic intraperitoneal diseases (n = 32) or pathology other than endometrioid adenocarcinoma (n = 7). Another 3 cases were excluded because both distension mediums had been used in the hysteroscopy. Analysis was therefore based on the data of 120 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients undergoing hysteroscopy using either CO(2) (n = 70) or NS (n = 50) with regard to age, pathologic stage, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grading, myometrial invasion, tumor size, cervical involvement, nodal involvement, and 2-year progression-free survival. However, there was a mean of 13.0 plus minus 5.0 days (range 3-21 days) time gap between laparotomy for definitive surgery and CO(2) hysteroscopy compared to immediate laparotomy after NS hysteroscopy (P < 0.001). Positive peritoneal cytology was noticed in 8 (6.7%) patients of which 7 were in the NS group and 1 was in the CO(2) group. Positive cytology was significantly more common among patients after hysteroscopy using NS than CO(2) (14.0% versus 1.4%, odds ratio = 11.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-94.5, P = 0.009). The presence of positive peritoneal cytology was not associated with age, tumor grade, tumor size, myometrial invasion, cervical involvement, or nodal metastasis. All 8 patients with positive cytology received no additional treatment and are disease free at 12 to 34 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggested that endometrial malignant cells were introduced into the peritoneal cavity during hysteroscopy and might be more likely after the use of NS rather than CO(2). This report emphasizes the need for prospective evaluation for further clarification of this hypothesis. The clinical significance of the dissemination awaits the long-term follow-up of these patients.
Work hours for practicing obstetrician-gynecologists: the reality of life after residency.

OBJECTIVE Recently the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education placed restrictions on all residency programs that limited work hours to 80 hours per week. The objective of this study was to determine the work hours for practicing obstetrician-gynecologists in an urban center. STUDY DESIGN A questionnaire about physician demographics and work hours was mailed to all obstetrician-gynecologists in Houston in June 2002. Chi(2) testing was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS One hundred eighty-nine surveys were mailed. One hundred surveys (56%) were returned complete and analyzed. Sixty-two physicians reported working >80 hours per week. Physicians were more likely to work >80 hours per week if they were men or if they were >50 years old. Marital status and having children living at home did not affect work hours. CONCLUSION Most obstetrician-gynecologists in Houston work longer hours than the number of hours that is imposed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education resident work hour guidelines.
Continuous High-Pressure Negative Suction Drain: New Powerful Tool for Closed Wound Management: Clinical Experience

Background Although various reconstructive flap surgeries have been successfully performed, there still are difficult wound complications, such as seroma formation, wound margin necrosis, delayed wound healing, and even flap failures. The negative-pressure wound therapy has been described in detail in the literature to assist open chronic/complex wound closure in reconstructive surgery. However, the negative-pressure wound therapy was difficult to be applied under the incisional closed wounds. Methods A total of 23 patients underwent the various reconstructive flap surgeries with continuous high-pressure negative suction drain. Instead of using regular suction units, Barovac (50–90 mm Hg, Sewoon Medical, Seoul, Republic of Korea) drainage tubes were connected to the wall suction unit, providing continuous high-powered negative pressure. In addition, continuous subatmospheric suction pressure (100–300 mm Hg) was applied. Outcome of the measures was obtained from the incidence of seroma, volume of postoperative drainage, hospitalization period, and incidence of other typical wound complications. Dead space was evaluated postoperatively with ultrasonography. Results Using continuous high-pressure negative suction drain, successful management of seroma was obtained without any major complication such as wound infection, flap loss, and wound margin necrosis, except for only 1 case of seroma after discharge from the hospital. The indwelling time of the drain in the latissimus dorsi donor site was significantly reduced in comparison with the authors’ previous data (P = 0.047). The volume of drainage and hospitalization period were also reduced; however, these were not statistically significant. The dead space with continuous high-pressure negative suction drain was more reduced than in the control group in the immediate postoperative period and confirmed with ultrasonography. Conclusions Continuous high-pressure negative suction drain might be the simple and powerful solution in the management of challenging closed wounds.
The phenotypically variable surface protein of Trichomonas vaginalis has a single, tandemly repeated immunodominant epitope

Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that undergoes phenotypic variation for numerous surface proteins. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) was used to isolate an approximately 400-bp cDNA encoding a fragment of an important phenotypically varying immunogen of T. vaginalis (Mr = 270 kDa; P270). The MAb completely inhibited the binding of P270 by antibody in sera of patients and by antibody in monospecific antiserum obtained toward purified P270, indicating that P270 contained only one immunodominant epitope. Hydrophilicity plot analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the recombinant protein predicted the hexapeptide sequence DREGRD as the antigenic determinant of P270. Synthetic peptides synthesized to this region demonstrated that the amino acid sequence DREGRD is important for antibody binding. Seven adjacent amino acids also contributed substantially to maximal recognition of the epitope by the MAb. A single transcript of approximately 9.5 kb, a size compatible with the reported Mr of the immunogen, hybridized to the cDNA in Northern blots of total RNA from T. vaginalis. DNA sequence and Southern blot analysis determined the epitope to be encoded by a 339-bp unit, which was found to be tandemly repeated at least 12 times within the single-copy gene. This 12-mer unit would only constitute approximately 50% of the protein, yet it is responsible for all of the serum antibody to the immunogen produced by animals and humans. The epitope sequence was found in all fresh and long-term-grown organisms examined to date, demonstrating the stability and conservation of this gene.
Influence of coherent Raman scattering on coherent population trapping in atomic sodium vapor

We study how coherent Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman scattering influence coherent population trapping. In an experiment using an atomic sodium vapor cell we observe induced transparency, induced absorption, and gain features, all of subnatural linewidth. The electromagnetically induced resonance is a peak or a dip depending on which side of the optical transition the fields are tuned to, and thus whether coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering or coherent Stokes Raman scattering is the dominant process.
How the Source, Inevitability and Means of Bringing About Harm Interact in Folk-Moral Judgments

Means-based harms are frequently seen as forbidden, even when they lead to a greater good. But, are there mitigating factors? Results from five experiments show that judgments about means-based harms are modulated by: 1) Pareto considerations (was the harmed person made worse off? ), 2) the directness of physical contact, and 3) the source of the threat (e.g. mechanical, human, or natural). Pareto harms are more permissible than non-Pareto harms, Pareto harms requiring direct physical contact are less permissible than those that do not, and harming someone who faces a mechanical threat is less permissible than harming someone who faces a non-mechanical threat. These results provide insight into the rich representational structure underlying folk-moral computations, including both the independent and interacting roles of the inevitability, directness and source of harm.
Is melatonin ready to be used in preterm infants as a neuroprotectant?

The prevention of neurological disabilities following preterm birth remains a major public health challenge and efforts are still needed to test the neuroprotective properties of candidate molecules. Melatonin serves as a neuroprotectant in adult models of cerebral ischemia through its potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. An increasing number of preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated that melatonin protects the damaged developing brain by preventing abnormal myelination and an inflammatory glial reaction, a major cause of white matter injury. The main questions asked in this review are whether preclinical data on the neuroprotective properties of melatonin are sufficient to translate this concept into the clinical setting, and whether melatonin can reduce white matter damage in preterm infants. This review provides support for our view that melatonin is now ready to be tested in human preterm neonates, and discusses ongoing and planned clinical trials.