Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Restricted growth of attenuated poliovirus strains in cultured cells of a human neuroblastoma

Cultured cells of a human neuroblastoma, SK-N-MC, were found to be highly resistant to Sabin attenuated poliovirus types 1 and 2 strains; no appreciable cytopathic effect was observed, and the total harvest was generally in the order of 1 PFU per cell or less. On the other hand, related neurovirulent strains of these antigenic types produced a relatively good (2 orders of magnitude higher) yield in a markedly protracted infectious cycle. The limited growth of the attenuated virus in the neuroblastoma cells appeared to be confined to a minor cell subpopulation. Experiments with intratypic (type 1) poliovirus recombinants suggested that the major genetic determinants limiting reproduction of the attenuated polioviruses in the neuroblastoma cells are located in the 5' half of the viral RNA, although the 3' half also appears to contribute somewhat to this phenotype. The possibility that neuroblastoma cells may represent an in vitro model for studying poliovirus neurovirulence is briefly discussed.
A Novel Method for Measurement of Porosity in Nanofiber Mat using Pycnometer in Filtration

Electrospun Polymer nanofibers have a wide range of applications including automotive air filters. Large surface area, small pores, flexible and adequate porosity are widely recognized as important parameters for improving the performance of the filter media and therefore measuring the porosity of the medium is extremely important. Porosity measurement techniques such as density based method, mercury porosimetry, capillary flow porometry, image analysis are relatively inaccurate and they have some disadvantages for measuring the porosity of the nano fibers. In the present study porosity measurement for nanofiber mat using pycnometer was explored. Pycnometer is generally used to measure the density of the solids of having volumes upto 150 cc. Volume of the nanofiber was measured by pycnometer and porosity is determined as fraction of the void in total volume of the fiber. Total volume is calculated from FESEM image thickness. Various advantages of pycnometry method when compared to other techniques were discussed based on the results of porosity measurements of nanofiber mats.
Taxation of Executive Compensation Professor Brookes Billman Professor Paul Ritter Assignment for First

This paper summarizes the empirical and theoretical research on executive compensation and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date description of pay practices (and trends in pay practices) for chief executive officers (CEOs). Topics discussed include the level and structure of CEO pay (including detailed analyses of annual bonus plans, executive stock options, and option valuation), international pay differences, the pay-setting process, the relation between CEO pay and firm performance (“pay-performance sensitivities”), the relation between sensitivities and subsequent firm performance, relative performance evaluation, executive turnover, and the politics of CEO pay.
AKD and ASA model surfaces: Preparation and characterization

Model surfaces of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and alkenyl succinic anhyd-ride (ASA) were prepared by casting and spin-coating methods. The surface chemical composition and surface topography were investigated by XPS, ellipsometry, AFM and contact angle studies. Spin-coating resulted in layered structure of AKD and ASA surfaces; the molecular layer thickness of both AKD and ASA was found to be ca. 2.5 nm. To achieve a covering surface layer, an average thickness of ca. 35 nm was required. The rms roughness of the created surfaces was 1 - 6 nm. Colloidal probe adhesion measurements were performed to verify that the roughness was in a range suitable for these measurements. The high reactivity of ASA with water generated stability problems with the ASA layers and it has to be recognized that surface force measurements with ASA in aqueous environment are very difficult, if not impossible. How-ever, surfaces created in this way were found to be useful in providing explanations of earlier ASA adhesion studies. The contact angle measurements on ASA layers also indicated that it might be possible to asses the hydrolysis rate issues through a set of similar measurements.
Brief Announcement: Hazard Eras - Non-Blocking Memory Reclamation

For non-blocking data-structures, only memory reclamation with pointer-based techniques can maintain non-blocking progress, but there can be high overhead associated to these techniques, with the most notable example being Hazard Pointers. We present a new algorithm we named Hazard Eras, which allows for efficient lock-free or wait-free memory reclamation in concurrent data structures and can be used as drop-in replacement to Hazard Pointers. Results from our microbenchmark show that when applied to a lock-free linked list, Hazard Eras will match the throughput of Hazard Pointers in the worst-case, and can outperform Hazard Pointers by a factor of 5x. Hazard Eras provides the same progress conditions as Hazard Pointers and can equally be implemented with the C11/C++11 memory model and atomics, making it portable across multiple systems.
Jamming and kinetics of deposition-evaporation systems and associated quantum spin models.

A class of models of deposition and evaporation of dimers, trimers,. , k-mers is studied analytically and by simulation. Correlation functions decay as power laws in time, related to broken symmetries in associated spin Hamiltonians. For k≥3, the number of jammed and evolving steady states increases exponentially with size. Finite size scaling studies support a phenomenological diffusive picture for dynamics and indicate universality over k in many subspaces
When Should a Firm Go Radical ? Signaling Market Potential Through Innovation Strategy

Unlike the market potential for incremental innovations, the market potential for radical innovations is typically highly uncertain. We model an incumbent firm’s decision to pursue radical or incremental innovation when facing a rival entrant. Each firm receives a private signal regarding the market potential for radical innovation (high or low), and the reliability of these signals can differ across firms. We show that when the entrant’s signal is relatively unreliable, the incumbent may pursue incremental innovation even though it receives a high private signal; it does so to avoid validating the high market potential for radical innovation to the entrant, which in turn reduces the entrant’s incentives to invest. When the incumbent’s signal is relatively unreliable, the incumbent may pursue radical innovation even when it receives a low private signal; this reduces the incentives of the entrant to invest in radical innovation because of the fear of having to share the future market. We extend our framework to incorporate the possibility that firms’ actions are not observed but they need to decide whether to pre-announce their innovation strategies. We find that a firm will pre-announce that it is pursuing radical innovation only if the reliability of its signal is lower than its rival’s, i.e., when the firm has a disadvantage in assessing the returns to radical innovation. When a firm’s signal is reliable, the desire to avoid validating the market potential induces the firm to remain silent about its innovation plans. Our work has important managerial implications for when to expect incumbents to rush into radical innovations and, conversely, when to expect them to stick to incremental ones. Furthermore, we offer advice on when firms should conceal their innovation plans till they have completed product development and when they should pre-announce their intentions well in advance of new product launch. Our perspective is novel in that we incorporate firms’ asymmetric perceptions of future rewards and the possibility that rival actions may reveal information regarding market potential. (New Product Planning; Innovation; Market Uncertainty; Competitive Signaling)
Hybrid modelling of time-variant heterogeneous objects

The physical world consists of a wide range of objects of a diverse constitution. Past research was mainly focussed on the modelling of simple homogeneous objects of a uniform constitution. Such research resulted in the development of a number of advanced theoretical concepts and practical techniques for describing such physical objects. As a result, the process of modelling and animating certain types of homogeneous objects became feasible. In fact most physical objects are not homogeneous but heterogeneous in their constitution and it is thus important that one is able to deal with such heterogeneous objects that are composed of diverse materials and may have complex internal structures. Heterogeneous object modelling is still a very new and evolving research area, which is likely to prove useful in a wide range of application areas. Despite its great promise, heterogeneous object modelling is still at an embryonic state of development and there is a dearth of extant tools that would allow one to work with static and dynamic heterogeneous objects. In addition, the heterogeneous nature of the modelled objects makes it appealing to employ a combination of different representations resulting in the creation of hybrid models. In this thesis we present a new dynamic Implicit Complexes (IC) framework incorporating a number of existing representations and animation techniques. This framework can be used for the modelling of dynamic multidimensional heterogeneous objects. We then introduce an Implicit Complexes Application Programming Interface (IC API). This IC API is designed to provide various applications with a unified set of tools allowing these to model time-variant heterogeneous objects. We also present a new Function Representation (FRep) API, which is used for the integration of FReps into complex time-variant hybrid models. This approach allows us to create a practical multilevel modelling system suited for complex multidimensional hybrid modelling of dynamic heterogeneous objects. We demonstrate the advantages of our approach through the introduction of a novel set of tools tailored to problems encountered in simulation applications, computer animation and computer games. These new tools empower users and amplify their creativity by allowing them to overcome a large number of extant modelling and animation problems, which were previously considered difficult or even impossible to solve.
Translation Inhibition by Rocaglates Is Independent of eIF4E Phosphorylation Status

Rocaglates are natural products that inhibit protein synthesis in eukaryotes and exhibit antineoplastic activity. In vitro biochemical assays, affinity chromatography experiments coupled with mass spectrometry analysis, and in vivo genetic screens have identified eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4A as a direct molecular target of rocaglates. eIF4A is the RNA helicase subunit of eIF4F, a complex that mediates cap-dependent ribosome recruitment to mRNA templates. The eIF4F complex has been implicated in tumor initiation and maintenance through elevated levels or increased phosphorylation status of its cap-binding subunit, eIF4E, thus furthering the interest toward developing rocaglates as antineoplastic agents. Recent experiments have indicated that rocaglates also interact with prohibitins 1 and 2, proteins implicated in c-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling. Because increased ERK signaling stimulates eIF4E phosphorylation status, rocaglates are also expected to inhibit eIF4E phosphorylation status, a point that has not been thoroughly investigated. It is currently unknown whether the effects on translation observed with rocaglates are solely through eIF4A inhibition or also a feature of blocking eIF4E phosphorylation. Here, we show that rocaglates inhibit translation through an eIF4E phosphorylation–independent mechanism. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(1); 136–41. ©2015 AACR.
Protection against Lethal Influenza with a Viral Mimic

ABSTRACT Despite countermeasures against influenza virus that prevent (vaccines) and treat (antivirals) infection, this upper respiratory tract human pathogen remains a global health burden, causing both seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. More potent and safe new vaccine technologies would contribute significantly to the battle against influenza and other respiratory infections. Using plasmid-based reverse genetics techniques, we have developed a single-cycle infectious influenza virus (sciIV) with immunoprotective potential. In our sciIV approach, the fourth viral segment, which codes for the receptor-binding and fusion protein hemagglutinin (HA), has been removed. Thus, upon infection of normal cells, although no infectious progeny are produced, the expression of other viral proteins occurs and is immunogenic. Consequently, sciIV is protective against influenza homologous and heterologous viral challenges in a mouse model. Vaccination with sciIV protects in a dose- and replication-dependent manner, which is attributed to both humoral responses and T cells. Safety, immunogenicity, and protection conferred by sciIV vaccination were also demonstrated in ferrets, where this immunization additionally blocked direct and aerosol transmission events. All together, our studies suggest that sciIV may have potential as a broadly protective vaccine against influenza virus.
Four-year prospective study of STAPH-IDENT system and conventional method for reference identification of Staphylococcus, Stomatococcus, and Micrococcus spp.

A 4-year prospective study compared the accuracy of the STAPH-IDENT system (bioMérieux Vitek, Inc., Hazelwood, Mo.) with that of the reference procedure of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the identification of Staphylococcus species, Stomatococcus mucilaginosus, and Micrococcus species. The study compared the results from 1,106 cultures (500 eye cultures, 217 strains submitted for reference identification, and 389 known stock strains) representing 21 species of the family Micrococcaceae. The overall agreement of genus and species identifications was 81.1%. The percent agreement for the five most common clinical isolates was as follows: Staphylococcus epidermidis, 97.1% (517 isolates); Staphylococcus hominis, 82.5% (57 isolates); Staphylococcus aureus, 77.2% (162 isolates); Staphylococcus haemolyticus, 75.8% (61 isolates); and Staphylococcus warneri, 64.1% (39 isolates). The lowest percent agreement was with Staphylococcus cohnii (11.1%; (9 isolates). Of the 217 isolates sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for identification, 60.4% (131) were correctly identified by the STAPH-IDENT system. Of these, S. epidermidis accounted for 23.9%, S. aureus accounted for 15.6%, S. warneri accounted for 6.9%, Staphylococcus lugdunensis accounted for 6.5%, S. haemolyticus accounted for 5.5%, and S. hominis accounted for 4.1%. The STAPH-IDENT system did not perform adequately when dealing with commonly encountered organisms and is unsuitable for identifying uncommon isolates.
Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Devices for Power Electronics

It is worldwide accepted today that a real breakthrough in the Power Electronics field may mainly come from the development and use of Wide Band Gap (WBG) semiconductor devices. WBG semiconductors such as SiC, GaN, and diamond show superior material properties, which allow operation at high-switching speed, high-voltage and high-temperature. These unique performances provide a qualitative change in their application to energy processing. From energy generation (carbon, oil, gas or any renewable) to the end-user (domestic, transport, industry, etc), the electric energy undergoes a number of conversions. These conversions are currently highly inefficient to the point that it is estimated that only 20% of the whole energy involved in energy generation reaches the end-user. WGB semiconductors increase the conversion efficiency thanks to their outstanding material properties. The recent progress in the development of high-voltage WBG power semiconductor devices, especially SiC and GaN, is reviewed. The performances of various rectifiers and switches, already demonstrated are also discussed. Material and process technologies of these WBG semiconductor devices are also tackled. Future trends in device development and industrialization are also addressed.
Fuzzy inference in spatial load forecasting

Forecasting electric demand and its geographical distribution is a prerequisite to generate expansion planning scenarios for distribution planning. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology that uses a fuzzy inference model over a GIS support, to capture the behavior of influence factors on load growth patterns and map the potential for development. The load growth is spread over maps with cellular automata. The interaction with a scenario generator inputs data into a graph generator, which will serve as a basis for more classic network planning tools.
Subgenomic RNA synthesis directed by a synthetic defective interfering RNA of mouse hepatitis virus: a study of coronavirus transcription initiation

We have used a full-length cDNA clone of a mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 defective interfering (DI) RNA, pMIDI-C, and cassette mutagenesis to study the mechanism of coronavirus subgenomic mRNA synthesis. Promoter sequences closely resembling those of subgenomic mRNAs 3 and 7 were inserted into MIDI-C. Both subgenomic RNA promoters gave rise to the synthesis of a subgenomic DI RNA in virus-infected and DI RNA-transfected cells. From a mutagenic analysis of the promoters we concluded the following. (i) The extent of base pairing between the leader RNA and the intergenic promoter sequence does not control subgenomic RNA abundance. (ii) Promoter recognition does not rely on base pairing only. Presumably, transcription initiation requires recognition of the promoter sequence by the transcriptase. (iii) Fusion of leader and body sequences takes place at multiple--possibly random--sites within the intergenic promoter sequence. A model is presented in which, prior to elongation, the leader RNA is trimmed by a processive 3'-->5' nuclease.
Geometry of the Valgus Knee: Contradicting the Dogma of a Femoral-Based Deformity

Background: Realignment osteotomies of valgus knee deformities are usually performed at the distal femur, as valgus alignment is considered to be a femoral-based deformity. This dogma, however, has not been proven in a large patient population. Valgus malalignment may also be caused by a tibial deformity or a combined tibial and femoral deformity. Purpose: The purposes of this study were (1) to analyze the coronal geometry of patients with valgus malalignment and identify the location of the underlying deformity and (2) to investigate the proportion of cases that require realignment osteotomy at the tibia, the femur, or both locations to avoid an oblique joint line. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The analysis included 420 standing full-leg radiographs of patients with valgus malalignment (mechanical femorotibial angle [mFTA], ≥4°). A systematic analysis of the coronal leg geometry was performed including the mFTA, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and joint-line convergence angle (JLCA). The localization of the deformity was determined according to the malalignment test described by Paley, and patients were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: femoral-based valgus deformity, tibial-based valgus deformity, femoral- and tibial-based valgus deformity, or intra-articular/ligamentary–based valgus deformity. Subsequently, the ideal osteotomy site was identified with the goal of a postoperative change of the joint line of two different maximum values, ±2° and ±4°, from its physiological varus position of 3°. Results: Measurements of the coronal alignment revealed a mean (±SD) mFTA of 7.4° ± 4.3° (range, 4°-28.2°). The mean mLDFA and mean mMPTA were 84.8° ± 2.4° and 90.9° ± 2.6°, respectively. The mean JLCA was 1.2° ± 3.1°. The majority (41.0%) of valgus deformities were tibial based, 23.6% were femoral based, 26.9% were femoral and tibial based, and 8.6% were intra-articular/ligamentary based. To achieve a straight-leg axis and an anatomic postoperative joint line with a tolerance of ±4°, the ideal site of a corrective osteotomy was tibial in 55.2% of cases and femoral in 19.5% of cases. A double-level osteotomy would be necessary in 25.2% of cases. With a tolerance of ±2°, the ideal osteotomy site was the proximal tibia in 41.0% of cases and the distal femur in 13.6% of cases; a double-level osteotomy would be necessary in 45.5% of cases. Conclusion: In contrast to the widespread belief that valgus malalignment is usually caused by a femoral deformity, this study found that valgus malalignment was attributable to tibial deformity in the majority of patients. In addition, a combined femoral- and tibial-based deformity was more common than an isolated femoral-based deformity. As a clinical consequence, varus osteotomies to treat lateral compartment osteoarthritis must be performed at the tibial site or as a double-level osteotomy in a relevant number of patients to avoid an oblique joint line.
Improved 0.18μm CMOS down-conversion mixer for UWB systems

This paper presents the CMOS Down-Conversion Mixer for UWB systems. , The circuit is simulated under 0. 18μm TSMC CMOS technology. Common mode feedback is used in the circuit and buffer stage is used to provide th impedance matching. The Passive RLC matcing is used at the input ports. The simulation result shows the conversion gain 15.484dB with noise figure of 15.894dB and IIP3 value of 10.009dBm. The Power consumption the MOSFETs used in the circuit is 40mW.
Long lasting effects of chronic heavy cannabis abuse

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of short-term memory impairment and schizophrenia-like symptoms in heavy and systematic cannabis users and the association between the severity of abuse and the longevity of its persistent symptoms after refraining from such use. METHODS A complete psychiatric examination and a psychometric evaluation were performed in 48 solely cannabis users. Additionally, head hair samples were analyzed and the detected cannabinoids levels were correlated with the psychometric findings. RESULTS A total of 33.3% (n = 16) of the total examined cannabis users were currently imprisoned. The years of abuse ranged from 1 to 35 years and the median daily dose was 5.84. 4 gr and 4.84. 0 gr for prisoners (n = 16) and non prisoners (n = 32), respectively. A total of 39.6% of the users experienced hallucinations (mostly auditory), 54.2% experienced delusions (mostly ideas of reference and persecution), 85.4% had organic brain dysfunction in a test addressing visual-motor functioning and visual perception skills, and all users (100%) were found to have organic brain dysfunction in a test of visual memory immediate recall. The cannabinoid metabolite levels in the hair samples were consistent with the reported history of substance abuse and total grams of consumption for the participants below 35 years old (p < .001). Statistically elevated cannabinoids levels were observed in users with auditory hallucinations compared to users without any hallucinations (p = .019). CONCLUSIONS The existence of hallucinations, delusions, and organic brain dysfunction in heavy cannabis users seems to be associated with cannabinoid levels in hair. The continuation of persistent symptoms 3 months after the discontinuation of cannabis abuse, was a remarkable finding. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE We provide evidence that chronic and heavy cannabis abuse results in long-lasting brain dysfunction in all users and in long-lasting schizophrenia-like psychotic symptoms in more than half of all users. These findings suggest a reevaluation of the current classification of cannabis as a "soft narcotic" which erroneously, therefore, is typically considered harmless. (Am J Addict 2017;26:335-342).