cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructural refinement of β-sintered and Ti-6Al-4V porous-coated by temporary alloying with hydrogen

A series of thermochemical treatments, in which hydrogen was used as a temporary alloying element to refine the lamellar microstructure of β-sintered and porous-coated Ti-6Al-4V was formulated. Each step of the treatment sequence (hydrogenation, eutectoid decomposition and dehydrogenation) was studied separately, on uncoated specimens and then on porous-coated specimens. The resultant microstructures can have α-grain sizes less than 1 μm, aspect ratios near unity and discontinuous grain boundary α (GBα), microstructural attributes which increase the fatigue strength. Microstructural refinement occurs because hydrogen-alloying reduces the (α+β)↔β transition temperature and enables a eutectoid decomposition reaction to occur. The optimal hydrogenation temperature is 850 °C, because hydrogen concentrations of 0.71 to 0.85 wt% are in-diffused and β-transformation is achieved. These weight percentages are in the optimal range for efficient eutectoid decomposition kinetics, β-transformation obviates the need for a separate β-transformation treatment step. A separate eutectoid decomposition treatment step may be used, or eutectoid decomposition may be combined with dehydrogenation. The finest eutectoid microstructures are obtained if hydrogen concentrations are in the range 0.5 to 0.8 wt%. The criteria for dehydrogenation are efficient removal of hydrogen, with minimal grain growth and absence of GBα. These criteria are best met by using dehydrogenation temperatures <700 °C. Altering the sintering temperature or adding a porous coating does not affect the parameters of the hydrogen-alloying treatment steps.
Analysis of the intracellular transport properties of recombinant La Crosse virus glycoproteins.

Abstract The G1 and G2 glycoproteins of La Crosse virus, a member of the Bunyavirus genus of the Bunyaviridae, are encoded as a single open reading frame (ORF) in the viral middle-sized RNA segment. The primary product from this ORF is processed, either cotranslationally or shortly after translation, into the two glycoproteins and a nonstructural protein, NSm, of unknown function. We have expressed La Crosse glycoproteins using vaccinia vectors and studied their processing and localization. When expressed in the native G2-NSm-G1 configuration, both G1 and G2 targeted to the Golgi apparatus as shown by their colocalization with wheat germ agglutinin and acquired resistance to endoglycosidase H. When expressed independently, G2 was targeted to the Golgi apparatus but G1 was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating that a G1–G2 association is required for Golgi targeting of G1. In contrast to results with other members of the Bunyaviridae, we found that expression of G1 and G2 from separate vectors did not lead to the transport of the G1–G2 complex to the Golgi. However, disruption of the NSm region with a foreign sequence did not interfere with transport of the complex. When a portion of the β-galactosidase gene was inserted in frame into NSm, the glycoproteins derived from this construct were processed and targeted properly and were capable of mediating cell-to-cell fusion.
Localized alterations in pre- and postsynaptic serotonin binding sites in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex of suicide victims

Altered serotonin indices have been reported in the brain of suicide victims. We sought to localize the changes in presynaptic and postsynaptic serotonin receptors and identify an area of prefrontal cortex that may influence suicide risk. Quantitative autoradiography was performed in coronal sections of prefrontal cortex to determine whether serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (postsynaptic in cortex) and serotonin transporter (presynaptic) binding are different in suicide victims compared to matched controls. 5-HT1A receptor binding was higher in 85 of the 103 sampled areas in the suicide group (n = 18 pairs; P < 0.0001). The increase ranged from 17 to 30%. The increase was more pronounced in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. Serotonin transporter binding was found to be lower in the suicide group in all but one of the 43 sampled regions (n = 22 pairs; P < 0.0001). The reduction in binding was most pronounced in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, where the difference between suicides and controls ranged between 15 and 27%. Serotonin transporter and 5-HT1A binding were negatively correlated (r = -0.35 to -0.44, P = 0.04 to 0.007) within the same brain areas, suggesting common regulatory factors with opposite effects on binding to the two receptors. We conclude that suicide victims have an abnormality in the serotonin system involving predominantly the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and hypothesize that the serotonergic dysfunction in this brain region contributes to the risk for suicidal behavior.
Rapid and complete degradation of the herbicide picloram by Lipomyces kononenkoae.

An enrichment culture approach was used to isolate a pure culture of the yeast Lipomyces kononenkoae, which had the ability to grow on the herbicide picloram. The yeast rapidly and completely degra...
Abstract 5713: Omega-3 fatty acid molecular and cellular modulation of in vitro models of high-risk breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, especially the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaonoic acid (DHA), have been shown to have potential antitumor effects for a wide range of cancer types, including breast. Multiple and widely diverse mechanisms have been purported through which n-3 fatty acids act as antitumor agents. Due to this wide range of effects, the n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in particular have been extrapolated to be possible chemo-preventive agents. Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that high intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish is inversely correlated with breast cancer risk. In this current study, we explore the molecular and cellular effects of EPA and DHA in breast cancer cells demonstrating abnormalities similar to those found in high risk patient populations, including MCF-7 cells with stable suppression of PTEN expression, MDA-MB-231 cells that mimic the triple negative phenotype and mouse epithelial cells that are derived from MMTV-erbB2 mouse breast tumors. Loss of PTEN activity has been reported in as much as 50% of all breast cancers. Triple negative disease exhibits an aggressive and early pattern of metastasis, with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. ErbB2 is overexpressed in 30% of breast tumors and has been associated with a more aggressive and a pro-inflammatory disease. Based upon the highly inflammatory nature of these three cell types, we hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids would be effective in modulating cellular processes that promote the more aggressive phenotype associated with these abnormalities. We are investigating the effect of EPA and DHA on survival, proliferation and apoptosis of the three modulated cell lines in comparison to less aggressive cell lines, and the molecular changes that correlate with response. Preliminary data suggest that cell proliferation is not modulated by exposure to either EPA or DHA. However, both EPA and DHA effectively suppressed NF-kB transcriptional activity in these cells. These data suggest that one important mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids may function as anti-tumor and possibly chemo-preventive agents is through regulation of NF-kB-induced inflammation. Studies are currently on-going to evaluate if modulation of NF-kB is critical for mediating the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids on breast cancer development and progression and if reduction of inflammatory responses will correlate with a less aggressive disease in these cells that closely reflect high risk patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5713.
Consumer-driven health plans: not all bad.

To the Editor .— I read with interest the commentary “Weighing the Risks of Consumer-Driven Health Plans for Families” by McManus et al.1 The authors correctly point out that high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are not a panacea to the current problems in health care and are considered to favor the healthy and the wealthy. However, the downsides of HDHPs are overemphasized in the article, with little discussion of their potential benefits. The primary purpose of HDHPs is to help reign in run-away health care costs, specifically by discouraging unnecessary use of health care resources. Studies have shown that, in general, increased …
Three-layer reconstruction for large defects of the anterior skull base.

Objectives To evaluate and discuss a three-layer rigid reconstruction technique for large anterior skull base defects. Study Design Prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded. Setting Tertiary teaching medical center. Methods Twenty consecutive patients underwent craniofacial resection for a variety of pathology. All patients had large anterior cranial base defects involving the cribriform plate, fovea ethmoidalis, and medial portion of the roof of the orbit at least on one side. A few patients had more extensive defects involving both roof of the orbits, planum sphenoidale, and bones of the upper third of the face. The defects were reconstructed with a three-layer technique. A watertight seal was obtained with a pericranial flap separating the neurocranium from the viscerocranium. Rigid support was provided by bone grafts fixed to a titanium mesh, anchored laterally to the orbital roofs. All patients had a computed tomography scan of the skull on the first or second postoperative day. Patients were observed for immediate and long-term postoperative complications after such reconstruction. Results Postoperative computed tomography scans showed small pneumocephalus in all patients. It resolved spontaneously and did not produce neurologic deficits in any patient. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leak, hematoma, or infection. On long-term follow-up, exposures of bone graft or mesh, brain herniation, or transmission of brain pulsation to the eyes were not observed in any patient. Conclusions Three-layer reconstruction using bone grafts, titanium mesh, and pericranial flap provides an alternative technique for repair of large anterior cranial base defects. It is safe and effective, and provides rigid protection to the brain.
Epidemiologic approaches used in a herd health practice to investigate neonatal calf mortality

Abstract Epidemiologic methods were applied in an investigation into causes of neonatal mortality on a 1400-cow dairy in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. A format for collation of information on birthdate and date of death was assembled into a matrix which improved conceptualization of the data and which simplified procedures for estimation of mortality rates. Contemporary and birth cohort life table methods, mortality density estimations and relative risk assessment were used to ascertain if there were high-risk groups of calves that could be identified by age, day-of-the-week born, day-of-the-week died and sex. During the outbreak of neonatal diarrhea on this dairy, female calves were found to have experienced an atypically higher rate of mortality (10.7%) than did males (5.3%). Calves of both sexes died between the ages of 9 and 19 days. In addition, the risk of dying was 11 times greater for calves born on Wednesdays than for those born on Saturdays. These findings formed the basis for recommended changes in management of neonatal calves on the dairy.
Left Ventricular Wall Motion During the Isovolumic Relaxation Period

Technically adequate left ventricular cineangiograms obtained in the 30 degree right anterior oblique (RAO) projection from 100 consecutive patients with chest pain were studied for the presence of...
Three-body ion—ion recombination in mercury-halide lasers

Abstract The role of ion—ion recombination in the formation of excited states in mercury-halide lasers is outlined. A generalization of Natanson's treatment to unequal-mass constituents and general mean free paths is proposed. Rates as high as (2.6–1.5) × 10 −6 cm 3 s −1 are hence determined for the recombination of Hg + with F − , Cl − , Br − and I − respectively, in Ar at (1.7–3.5) atm and 300 K. Somewhat higher rates (3.4−1.9) × 10 −6 cm 3 s −1 at slightly lower densities are obtained for the corresponding cases involving Ar + .
Induction of Leukemia Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis by Recombinant P48, a Modulin Derived from Mycoplasma fermentans☆☆☆

P48 is a 48-kDa monocytic differentiation/activation factor which was originally identified in the conditioned medium of the Reh and other leukemia cell lines and has recently been shown to be a Mycoplasma fermentans gene product. Previously, conditioned medium P48 has been shown to induce differentiation of HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) cells. Recently our laboratory isolated cDNA clones for P48 from Reh cells and genomic clones from Mycoplasma fermentans and expressed the recombinant protein as a maltose binding protein (MBP) fusion protein in E. coli. In this report we present the initial characterization of this recombinant P48 fusion protein (rP48-MBP). We show that rP48-MBP induces differentiation of HL-60, U937 (human histiocytic lymphoma), and M1 (mouse myeloid leukemia) cell lines. Interestingly, rP48-MBP also induces apoptosis of U937 and HL-60 cells as assessed by terminal transferase (TUNEL) assays. This is the first report of induction of apoptosis by a Mycoplasma gene product. P48 is a Mycoplasma-derived immunomodulatory molecule which has differentiation and apoptosis-inducing activities and may be important in the pathophysiology of Mycoplasma infections. The recombinant protein may be useful in studying the mechanisms of differentiation, cytokine production, and apoptosis in malignant and nonmalignant hematopoietic cells.
The effects of thermal stress and fluid pressure on induced seismicity during stimulation to production within fractured reservoirs

We use a continuum model of reservoir evolution to explore the interaction of coupled thermal, hydraulic and chemical processes that influence the evolution of seismicity within a fractured reservoir from stimulation to production. Events occur from energy release on seeded fractures enabling moment magnitude, frequency and spatial distribution to be determined with time. Event magnitudes vary in the range −2 to +2 with the largest event size (~2) corresponding to the largest fracture size (~500 m) and a prescribed stress drop of 9 MPa. Modelled b-values (~0.6–0.7) also correspond to observations (~0.7–0.8) for response in the Cooper Basin (Australia). We track the hydrodynamic and thermal fronts to define causality in the triggering of seismicity. The hydrodynamic front moves twice as fast as the thermal front and envelops the triggered seismicity at early time (days to month) – with higher flow rates correlating with larger magnitude events. For later time (month to years), thermal drawdown and potentially chemical influences principally trigger the seismicity, but result in a reduction in both the number of events and their magnitudes.
Evolution of RF safety standards and their impact on mobile and portable transmitters

Exposure standards currently recommended by international health organizations and under consideration by U.S. Governmental Agencies restrict the occupational exposure to 500 µW/cm2and the environmental (general public) limit to 200 µW/cm2in the band of land mobile frequencies. This paper discusses the options open to the manufacturers and the designers of mobile and personal transmitters in this rapidly changing regulatory scenario.
Interannual variations and future change of wintertime extratropical cyclone activity over North America in CCSM3

Climatology and interannual variations of wintertime extratropical cyclone frequency in CCSM3 twentieth century simulation are compared with the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis during 1950–1999. CCSM3 can simulate the storm tracks reasonably well, although the model produces slightly less cyclones at the beginning of the Pacific and Atlantic storm tracks and weaker poleward deflection over the Pacific. As in the reanalysis, frequency of cyclones stronger than 980 hPa shows significant correlation with the Pacific/North America (PNA) teleconnection pattern over the Pacific region and with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the Atlantic sector. Composite maps are constructed for opposite phases of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the NAO and all anomalous patterns coincide with observed. One CCSM3 twenty-first century A1B scenario realization indicates there is significant increase in the extratropical cyclone frequency on the US west coast and decrease in Alaska. Meanwhile, cyclone frequency increases from the Great Lakes region to Quebec and decreases over the US east coast, suggesting a possible northward shift of the Atlantic storm tracks under the warmer climate. The cyclone frequency anomalies are closely linked to changes in seasonal mean states of the upper-troposphere zonal wind and baroclinicity in the lower troposphere. Due to lack of 6-hourly outputs, we cannot apply the cyclone-tracking algorithm to the other eight CCSM3 realizations. Based on the linkage between the mean state change and the cyclone frequency anomalies, it is likely a common feature among the other ensemble members that cyclone activity is reduced on the East Coast and in Alaska as a result of global warming.
Modulation of Nitrosative Stress by S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase Is Critical for Thermotolerance and Plant Growth in Arabidopsis

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in plants. This analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana HOT5 (sensitive to hot temperatures), which is required for thermotolerance, uncovers a role of NO in thermotolerance and plant development. HOT5 encodes S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), which metabolizes the NO adduct S-nitrosoglutathione. Two hot5 missense alleles and two T-DNA insertion, protein null alleles were characterized. The missense alleles cannot acclimate to heat as dark-grown seedlings but grow normally and can heat-acclimate in the light. The null alleles cannot heat-acclimate as light-grown plants and have other phenotypes, including failure to grow on nutrient plates, increased reproductive shoots, and reduced fertility. The fertility defect of hot5 is due to both reduced stamen elongation and male and female fertilization defects. The hot5 null alleles show increased nitrate and nitroso species levels, and the heat sensitivity of both missense and null alleles is associated with increased NO species. Heat sensitivity is enhanced in wild-type and mutant plants by NO donors, and the heat sensitivity of hot5 mutants can be rescued by an NO scavenger. An NO-overproducing mutant is also defective in thermotolerance. Together, our results expand the importance of GSNOR-regulated NO homeostasis to abiotic stress and plant development.
Feasibility of frameless single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal lesions.

Object. The role of stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of intracranial lesions is well established. Its use for the treatment of spinal lesions has been limited by the availability of effective target-immobilizing devices. In this study the authors evaluated the CyberKnife Real-Time Image-Guided Radiosurgery System for spinal lesion treatment involving a single-fraction radiosurgical technique. Methods. This frameless image-guided radiosurgery system uses the coupling of an orthogonal pair of x-ray cameras to a dynamically manipulated robot-mounted linear accelerator possessing six degrees of freedom, which guides the therapy beam to the target without the use of frame-based fixation. Cervical lesions were located and tracked relative to osseous skull landmarks; lower spinal lesions were tracked relative to percutaneously placed gold fiducial bone markers. Fifty-six spinal lesions in 46 consecutive patients were treated using single-fraction radiosurgery (26 cervical, 15 thoracic, and 11 lumbar, and four sacral). There were 11 benign and 45 metastatic lesions. Tumor volume ranged from 0.3 to 168 ml (mean 26.7 ml). Thirty-one lesions had previously received external-beam radiotherapy with maximum spinal cord doses. Dose plans were calculated based on computerized tomography scans acquired using 1.25-mm slices. Tumor dose was maintained at 12 to 18 Gy to the 80% isodose line; spinal cord lesions receiving greater than 8 Gy ranged from 0 to 1.3 ml (mean 0.3 ml). All patients tolerated the procedure in an outpatient setting. No acute radiation-induced toxicity or new neurological deficits occurred during the follow-up period. Axial and radicular pain improved in all patients who were symptomatic prior to treatment. Conclusions. Spinal stereotactic radiosurgery involving a frameless image-guided system was found to be feasible and safe. The major potential benefits of radiosurgical ablation of spinal lesions are short treatment time in an outpatient setting with rapid recovery and symptomatic response. This procedure offers a successful alternative therapeutic modality for the treatment of a variety of spinal lesions not amenable to open surgical techniques; the intervention can be performed in medically untreatable patients, lesions located in previously irradiated sites, or as an adjunct to surgery.
Hough transform detection of the longitudinal fissure in tomographic head images

A technique is presented for automatic detection of the longitudinal fissure in tomographic scans of the brain. The technique utilizes the planar nature of the fissure and is a three-dimensional variant of the Hough transform principle. Algorithmic and computational aspects of the technique are discussed. Results and performance on coronal and transaxial magnetic resonance data show that the algorithm is robust with respect to variations in image contrast in the data and to slight anatomic anomalies. A crucial resolution requirement in the data for accurate parameter estimations is a sufficient number of slices covering the whole brain. The Sobel magnitude edge operator, used for preprocessing, proved adequate for magnetic resonance scans with positive and negative brain/cerebrospinal fluid contrast. >
A comparison of soil climate and biological activity along an elevation gradient in the eastern Mojave Desert.

Soil temperature, moisture, and CO2 were monitored at four sites along an elevation transect in the eastern Mojave Desert from January to October, 1987. Climate appeared to be the major factor controlling CO2 partial pressures, primarily through its influence of rates of biological reactions, vegetation densities, and organic matter production. With increasing elevation, and increasing actual evapotranspiration, the organic C, plant density, and the CO2 content of the soils increased. Between January and May, soil CO2 concentrations at a given site were closely related to variations in soil temperature. In July and October, temperatures had little effect on CO2, presumably due to low soil moisture levels. Up to 75% of litter placed in the field in March was lost by October whereas, for the 3 lower elevations, less than 10% of the litter placed in the field in April was lost through decomposition processes.
MapLinker: a software tool that aids physical map-linked whole genome shotgun assembly

Summary: MapLinker is an analysis tool, as well as a browsing interface, that facilitates integration of whole genome sequence assembly with a clone-based physical map. Using the locations of sequence markers on the physical map, MapLinker generates a tentative sequence map of the genome that serves to verify the map and to guide genome-wide finishing. Availability: MapLinker is freely available at http://gordonlab.wustl.edu/MapLinker Contact:jgordon@molecool.wustl.edu, jxu@watson.wustl.edu
Comparative Toxicities of Four Topically Applied Insecticides to Africanized and European Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Contact toxicities were established for acetone formulations of azinphosmethyl, carbaryl, methyl parathion, and permethrin applied to workers of Africanized and European honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) types. For each insecticide, 95% fiducial limits at the LC50 levels for the two bee types did not overlap. Africanized bees showed greater tolerance to all the chemicals except carbaryl; differences in tolerance to each of the four chemicals were all about 2-fold. The order of toxicity of the compounds on the Africanized bees was permethrin > carbaryl > azinphosmethyl > methyl parathion; on the European honey bees, the order of toxicity was permethrin > azinphosmethyl > carbaryl> methyl parathion. Significant differences between the bee types were noted in the slopes of the probit regressions estimated for three of the compounds. The Africanized bees responded more homogeneously than the European bees to azinphosmethyl; European bees reacted more homogeneously than Africanized bees to carbaryl and permethrin.
Dealing with the Crosscutting Structure of Software Architectural Styles

Architecture-based software development is the implementation of a software system in terms of its architectural constructs (e.g., components, connectors, ports). It has been shown as an effective approach to realizing and managing the architecture of large-scale software systems. Several techniques and tools have been developed that are intended to aid with the architecture-based development of software systems. While these approaches provide adequate implementation support for some aspects of software architectures, they often lack sufficient support for implementing and enforcing the systempsilas software architectural style. In this paper, we argue that the lack of sufficient support for architectural styles is a by-product of its crosscutting structure. In turn, this makes it impossible to realize styles using the object-oriented programming methodology. We present a new approach to implementing architectural styles that is based on the aspect-oriented programming paradigm.
Residual strain in the ventricle of the stage 16-24 chick embryo.

Residual stress and strain, i.e., the stress and strain remaining in a solid when all external loads are removed, may be produced in biological tissues by differential growth. During cardiac development, residual stress and strain may play a role in cardiac morphogenesis by affecting ventricular wall stress. After a transmural radial cut, a passive ventricular cross section opens into a sector, and the size of the opening angle provides a measure of the circumferential residual strain. Residual strains were characterized in this manner for the apical region of the diastolic embryonic chick heart for Hamburger-Hamilton stages 16, 18, 21, and 24 (approximately 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 days, respectively, of a 21-day incubation period). The average opening angle at these stages was 107 +/- 10 degrees, 79 +/- 10 degrees, 73 +/- 11 degrees, and 74 +/- 7 degrees, respectively (n > or = 5 for each stage). These measured angles were correlated with changes in ventricular morphology. Scanning electron micrographs of the apex revealed that the wall of the ventricle is smooth at stage 16. Then at stage 18, myocardial trabeculae develop, forming ridges with primarily a circumferential orientation. By stage 21, the trabeculae develop into a mesh, giving the ventricular wall a spongelike appearance, and the preferred orientation is lost by stage 24. The large decrease in opening angle between stages 16 and 18 corresponded to the onset of trabeculation, which is the greatest change in form during the studied stages. We speculate that residual strain is an important biomechanical factor during cardiac morphogenesis.
First impressions: Geographic variation in media messages during the first phase of ACA implementation

Many Americans will learn about the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) through the mass media. We examined geographic variation in the volume and content of mass media during the initial two-week rollout of the new health insurance marketplaces in October 2013 across 210 US media markets, using data from the Wesleyan Media Project. We found substantial geographic variation in the volume and tone of insurance product advertisements, political advertisements, and news coverage of the ACA marketplaces. News coverage of the ACA airing in media markets located in states operating federal or partnership marketplaces was more negative than coverage airing in markets located in states running their own marketplaces. Intrastate variation in media volume and content was also substantial and appears distinguishable from the local political climate. Variation in exposure to media messages likely affects public sentiment regarding the ACA and could contribute to geographic differences in insurance enrollment and public perceptions of US health care options. Researchers and policy makers evaluating the implementation of the ACA-and insurance enrollment in the marketplaces in particular-should consider addressing media influences.
Power control considerations for DS/CDMA personal communication systems

A model of the personal communication system (PCS) employing code division multiple access (CDMA) is presented and analyzed. In the analysis, the effect of multipath transmissions that are usually present in the portable environments is included. This effect causes severe fading degradation in the received signal power. The model introduces the factors that mostly affect the reception of different signals at the base station, and their effect on the received power is discussed. The performance of the system is measured by the probability of error and the increase in the amount of power (the power cost) necessary to overcome multipath fading effects. Upper bounds on the probability of error are obtained to show the limits on the performance. >
Convertible modes of inactivation of potassium channels in Xenopus myocytes differentiating in vitro.

1. Voltage-dependent inactivating single-channel potassium currents were recorded in cell-attached and inside-out patches from embryonic Xenopus myocytes differentiating in culture. 2. Channels with rapid inactivation (time constants 80 ms) recorded after one day in vitro appear to belong to two functionally different classes. Rapidly and slowly inactivating channels show steady-state inactivation with potentials of half-inactivation of -74 +/- 7 and -44 +/- 9 mV. They exhibit voltage-dependent activation, with times to half-maximal activation of 0.79 +/- 0.09 and 1.17 +/- 0.22 ms when stepped from -120 to +40 mV. Rapidly inactivating channels also have a lower open probability than slowly inactivating ones. The channels have similar conductances of 23 +/- 6 and 17 +/- 4 pS and extrapolated reversal potentials close to the potassium equilibrium potential. 3. In cell-attached patches, inactivation behaviours of channels with rapid or slow inactivation do not change during recording. After patch excision, rapidly inactivating channels usually switch to a slow inactivation mode. Slowly inactivating channels derived from rapidly inactivating channels after patch excision retain their conductance and extrapolated reversal potential, but are not distinguishable from native slowly inactivating channels with respect to steady-state inactivation, activation and inactivation times, as well as open probabilities. 4. The change in inactivation behaviour of rapidly inactivating channels after patch excision is reversed by application of reduced dithiothreitol (DTT). In contrast, channels with slow inactivation in the cell-attached mode do not change in to rapidly inactivating channels after application of DTT in the excised configuration, suggesting that these channels belong to a structurally different class. 5. Frequent observation of superposing channel openings indicates clustering of inactivating potassium channels in the myocyte membrane, since many patches lack channel activity. Clustering does not depend on the presence of differentiating neurones. 6. Channels with rapid inactivation increase 6-fold in density during the first day in culture in the presence of neurones; channel density decreases in their absence. Channels with slow inactivation increase 2-fold in density in the presence or absence of differentiating neurones during this period. 7. Channels with rapid or slow inactivation in cell-attached membrane belong to functionally distinct classes that are developmentally regulated differently. Reversible changes from rapid to slow inactivation mode after patch excision suggest that the channels may be structurally related.
Translation-dependent mechanisms lead to PML upregulation and mediate oncogenic K-RAS-induced cellular senescence

Abstract Expression of oncogenic K‐RAS in primary cells elicits oncogene‐induced cellular senescence (OIS), a form of growth arrest that potently opposes tumourigenesis. This effect has been largely attributed to transcriptional mechanisms that depend on the p53 tumour suppressor protein. The PML tumour suppressor was initially identified as a component of the PML‐RARα oncoprotein of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). PML, a critical OIS mediator, is upregulated by oncogenic K‐RAS in vivo and in vitro . We demonstrate here that oncogenic K‐RAS induces PML protein upregulation by activating the RAS/MEK1/mTOR/eIF4E pathway even in the absence of p53. Under these circumstances, PML mRNA is selectively associated to polysomes. Importantly, we find that the PML 5′ untranslated mRNA region plays a key role in mediating PML protein upregulation and that its presence is essential for an efficient OIS response. These findings demonstrate that upregulation of PML translation plays a central role in oncogenic K‐RAS‐induced OIS. Thus, selective translation initiation plays a critical role in tumour suppression with important therapeutic implications for the treatment of solid tumours and APL.
The results of arthroscopic versus mini-open repair for rotator cuff tears at mid-term follow-up

Background To prospectively evaluate patients who underwent a "mini-open" repair versus a completely arthroscopic technique for small to large size rotator cuff tears.
Myth, Folklore and Ancient Ethics

In primitive and civilized cultures alike, myth has served as a foundational component of social structure and societal cultural self-image. For peoples with limitation on their skills of scientific inquiry and/or detached social observation, myth has served purposes ranging from explanation of the natural world to early visions of civil justice and a moral ethos. Such application of myth has necessarily and simultaneously provided adherents with the means of rationalizing the caprice and harshness of the natural world, as well as giving a means of accepting, even a fatalism, concerning injustice. In general terms, myths and mythic figures have provided primitive and ancient peoples a means of mediating and understanding (1) man's relation to nature; and (2) the requisites of a successful society. Folk lore, in turn, has occupied a subordinate role of providing illuminating, illustrative, and sometimes admonitory parables that reinforce ordinarily pre-established community norms. With regard to community norms, therefore, both myth and folklore have played mediating roles in aiding and enhancing a people's ability to achieve orderly and successful societies. Just as evidence of primitive and ancient cultures informs us of the cultural antecedents of much of modern civil justice, so too myth and folklore not only provide great storytelling, but also insights into the moral and ethical aspirations of prior cultures.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE. X. DERMAL CHEMICAL RESPONSE TO ATROPINE.

Summary and conclusionsThe dermal chemical response to atropine administration involved primarily losses of salt soluble, insoluble and total collagens and increased amounts of acid soluble collagen effecting the hexosamine content of the tissue. The increased dermal concentration of acid soluble collagen and the decreased dermal concentration of salt soluble collagen were maintained during the entire course of atropine administration, whereas the decreased concentration of both total and insoluble collagen was no longer significant by the last day of drug administration. To explain these changes in the dermal concentrations of the various collagens the possibility was suggested that atropine stimulated specifically the catabolism of insoluble collagen, and the changes in the dermal concentrations of the soluble collagens represented an anabolic response to this loss.
Abstract 14157: Periodontal Microbiome Induces Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Atherogenic ApoeNull Mice

Introduction: Periodontal disease (PD) is a polymicrobial dysbiotic chronic inflammatory disease produced by a complex subgingival microbiome, and is linked to systemic inflammatory atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). American Heart Association supported the association between PD and ASVD but not causal association. Prior reports investigated the associations between these two diseases PD and ASVD. But the complex signaling molecules and mechanisms establishing a causal association are not well defined. Methods: To investigate how polybacterial infections initiate atherosclerotic plaque growth, ApoE null mice were orally infected with a polybacterial consortium of 4 well-characterized periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Fusobacterium nucleatum . We assessed PD characteristics, hematogenous dissemination of bacteria, peripheral T cell response, serum inflammatory cytokines, atherosclerosis risk factors, atherosclerotic plaque development, and alteration of aortic gene expression. Results: Polybacterial infections have enhanced gingival colonization and significantly induced alveolar bone loss ApoE null mice. Polybacterial infections were found to be invasive with hematogenous dissemination into heart and aorta. Polybacterial infection-induced significantly higher levels of serum risk factors (oxidized LDL, nitric oxide), altered lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, chylomicrons, VLDL) as well as accelerated aortic plaque formation in ApoE null mice. Polybacterial infection is associated with significant decreases in Apoa1, Apob, Birc3, Fga, FgB genes that are associated with atherosclerosis. Gingival infections after 12 weeks had modified levels of inflammatory molecules, with decreased Fas ligand, IL-13, SDF-1 and increased chemokine RANTES. At 24 weeks of chronic infection additional changes in inflammatory molecules were induced with reduced KC, MCSF, and enhanced GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-13, IL-4, IL-13, lymphotactin, and RANTES. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating differences in the host immune response to a polybacterial infection with atherosclerotic lesion progression in a mouse model.
Are Sparse Representations Rich Enough for Acoustic Modeling

We propose a novel approach to acoustic modeling based on recent advances in sparse representations. The key idea in sparse coding is to compute a compressed local representation of a signal via an over-complete basis or dictionary that is learned in an unsupervised way. In this study, we compute the local representation on speech spectrogram as the raw “signal” and use it as the local sparse code to perform a standard phone classification task. A linear classifier is used that directly receives the coding space for making the classification decision. The simplicity of the linear classifier allows us to assess whether the sparse representations are sufficiently rich to serve as effective acoustic features for discriminating speech classes. Our experiments demonstrate competitive error rates when compared to other shallow approaches. An examination of the dictionary learned in sparse feature extraction demonstrates meaningful acoustic-phonetic properties that are captured by a collection of the dictionary entries.
Global Changes Induced by Local Perturbations to the HIV-1 Capsid

The HIV-1 capsid is a fullerene cone composed of approximately 1300 copies of a single capsomer protein. After entering the host cell, the capsid uncoats through a process that is still poorly understood, releasing its genome into the host cell and enabling replication. The timing of uncoating is affected by a number of host factors that bind to the capsid and alter its stability. For example, the host factor TRIM5α binds to the capsid, induces premature uncoating and prevents replication, pointing to a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Here we explore the mechanism through which local binding events and point mutations affect the overall stability of the capsid. We approximate the capsid's potential using a coarse grained elastic network model and systematically perturb each residue in the capsomer, evaluating its effect on the global potential. We find that residues along the hexamer-hexamer interface have a strong influence on capsid dynamics, suggesting that this region may be crucial for stability and uncoating.
Case Report: Post transcatheter aortic valve replacement shock: Value of multimodal imaging

Complications resulting from the delayed clinical presentation of a left main coronary artery obstruction can be catastrophic. This case report presents a 73-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a core valve who, approximately 20 minutes after heparin reversal with protamine, became hypotensive and was unresponsive to vasopressor and inotropic therapy. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated global hypokinesis, which was highly consistent with the occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Angiography confirmed this diagnosis and demonstrated that valve positioning had not changed compared to post-placement examination. Here we report the partial covering of the ostium of the left main coronary artery by a core valve skirt that converted into a total occlusion following the initiation of heparin reversal with protamine and the value of multimodal imaging in the management of this case.
Spaceports: A Definition and Brief History

Spaceports have been a mainstay of science fiction for decades (Fig. 2.1). Think of the spaceports in Elysium or The Fifth Element, or Mos Eisley, perhaps the most famous spaceport to grace the silver screen. Mos Eisley, as Star Wars fans will know, is the low-grade concrete structure that appears in the first film of the franchise. Home to the Mos Eisley Cantina, the Star Wars version of a spaceport includes a docking bay (Docking Bay 94) which houses the Millenium Falcon, and the aforementioned cantina which is the haunt of all manner of characters, including a band of alien musicians—the Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes. But in the real world, what is a spaceport? Well, one way to answer that is to consider the types of people and service providers who make up the space industry and to review the features you might expect to see when you visit one of these facilities. We’ll begin with the impending manned commercial spaceflight industry and consider what facilities will be needed by the Blue Origins and Virgin Galactics of this world. We already know this industry will depend upon the two distinct kinds of space adventurer mentioned in the previous chapter. These future spaceflight participants will need training facilities, which will be co-located at the spaceports. Centrifuges, hypobaric chambers, spatial disorientation trainers, classrooms, dunker training equipment; it all needs to be there (Table 2.1).
Interference-enhanced infrared-to-visible upconversion in solid-state thin films sensitized by colloidal nanocrystals

Infrared-to-visible photon upconversion has potential applications in photovoltaics, sensing, and bioimaging. We demonstrate a solid-state thin-film device that utilizes sensitized triplet-triplet exciton annihilation, converting infrared photons absorbed by colloidal lead sulfide nanocrystals (NCs) into visible photons emitted from a luminescent dopant in rubrene at low incident light intensities. A typical bilayer device consisting of a monolayer of NCs and a doped film of rubrene is limited by low infrared absorption in the thin NC film. Here, we augment the bilayer with an optical spacer layer and a silver-film back reflector, resulting in interference effects that enhance the optical field and thus the absorption in the NC film. The interference-enhanced device shows an order-of-magnitude increase in the upconverted emission at the wavelength of λ = 610 nm when excited at λ = 980 nm. At incident light intensities above 1.1 W/cm2, the device attains maximum efficiency, converting (1.6 ± 0.2)% of absor...
Crowd-ML: A library for privacy-preserving machine learning on smart devices

When user-generated data such as audio and video signals are used to train machine learning algorithms, users' privacy must be considered before the learned model is released. In this work, we present an open-source library for privacy-preserving machine learning framework on smart devices. The library allows Android and iOS devices to collectively learn a common classifier/regression model from distributed data with differential privacy, using a variant of minibatch stochastic gradient descent method. The library allows researchers and developers to easily implement and deploy customized tasks that use on-device sensors to collect sensitive data for machine learning.
Nuclear Reactor Concepts

This chapter focuses on nuclear reactor concepts. Although the only requirement for a neutron chain reaction is a sufficient amount of a fissionable element, many combinations of materials and arrangements can be used to construct an operable nuclear reactor. Several different types or concepts have been devised and tested over the period since 1942, when the first reactor started operation, just as various kinds of engines have been used—steam, internal combustion, reciprocating, rotary, and jet. The majority of reactors in operation or under construction have as purpose the generation of large blocks of commercial electric power. Others serve training or radiation research needs, and many provide propulsion power for submarines. Also available are tested reactors for commercial surface ships and for spacecraft. In most modern reactors, the fuel is isolated from the coolant in what is called a heterogeneous arrangement. The alternative is a homogeneous mixture of fuel and moderator or fuel and moderator-coolant.