cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
406. rAAV-Mediated Expression of Wnt10b cDNA Prevents the Development of Obesity in DIO Rats

Wnt10b is a new recently described member of secreted type glyco-proteins family Wnt. It is classified as the canonical Wnt to activate the |[beta]|-catenin-TCF pathway and regulates diverse developmental processes.
Role of TWEAK in lupus nephritis: A bench-to-bedside review

There is significant unmet need in the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN) patients. In this review, we highlight the role of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in mediating key pathologic processes underlying LN involving both glomerular and tubular injury, and thus the potential for renal protection via blockade of this pathway. The specific pathological mechanisms of TWEAK – namely promoting inflammation, renal cell proliferation and apoptosis, vascular activation and fibrosis – are described, with supporting data from animal models and in vitro systems. Furthermore, we detail the translational relevance of these mechanisms to clinical readouts in human LN. We present the opportunity for an anti-TWEAK therapeutic as a renal protective agent to improve efficacy relative to current standard of care treatments hopefully without increased safety risk, and highlight a phase II trial with BIIB023, an anti-TWEAK neutralizing antibody, designed to assess efficacy in LN patients. Taken together, targeting the TWEAK/Fn14 axis represents a potential new therapeutic paradigm for achieving renal protection in LN patients.
Analysis of US semiconductor collaboration

Consortia in the United States and the US National Science Foundation's Engineering Research Centers, which have often emphasized long-range research with considerably less focus on current problems than have consortia in Japan, are reviewed. It is suggested that, in most instances, these US institutions have searched for revolutionary technology advancements and have had difficulty transferring their work to their members. While this type of work supports the development of new technology, it does little to solve current competitiveness problems. Only Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (SEMATECH) has assisted its members with continuous improvements, compressing product cycles, establishing relationships with suppliers, and strengthening core competencies while emphasizing work leading to process and produce improvements. SEMATECH's success shows that government can use SEMATECH as a model for the creation of programs where US industry lags behind foreign competitors. >
A Reduced-Part, Triple-Voltage DC–DC Converter for EV/HEV Power Management

Electrical power systems in future hybrid and fuel cell vehicles may consist of three voltage nets: 14 V, 42 V, and high voltage (>200 V) buses. A soft-switched, bidirectional dc-dc converter that uses only four switches was proposed for interconnecting the three nets. This paper presents a reduced-part dc-dc converter, which decreases the converter cost while retaining all the favorable features of the original topology. Experimental data are included to verify a simple power flow control scheme.
Identification of a novel testis-specific leucine-rich protein in humans and mice.

A novel testis-specific protein, termed LRTP, was identified by screening both human and mouse testis and mouse pachytene spermatocyte cDNA libraries. Sequence analyses (GenBank accession number: AF092208) revealed that LRTP contains an amino terminus leucine-rich repeat domain. There are several acidic regions rich in glutamic acid in the C-terminus. The sequence, by GenBank search, shows similarities to LANP and SDS221, leucine-rich repeat proteins localized to the nucleus and involved in the regulation of protein phosphatases. In mouse, the mRNA is first detected at about Day 14 postpartum, presumably when mid-pachytene spermatocytes are first seen. In situ hybridization confirmed the expression of the LRTP mRNA at this stage of spermatogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the protein is most abundant in the cytoplasm of pachytene and diplotene cells, corresponding to late prophase of meiosis I. Immunohistochemical localization is markedly reduced in secondary spermatocytes, suggesting a functional association of LRTP with meiosis. An LRTP cDNA probe did not bind to mouse ovary RNA in a dot blot assay.
Empirical effects of angular sampling and background content on image quality in dedicated breast SPECT

This study investigates the effects of varying the azimuthal and polar sampling of the acquisition trajectory with the dedicated breast SPECT imaging system developed in our lab. In addition, the frequency quality (density and distribution) of the background is considered. The SPECT system consists of a 16 times 20 cm2 CZT gamma camera with 6.7% FWHM energy resolution at 140 keV, which can accommodate fully 3D simple or complex trajectories about a pendant, uncompressed breast. Trajectories used in these studies are vertical axis of rotation, tilted parallel beam and sine wave projected onto a hemisphere. Various geometric and anthropomorphic phantoms containing lesions are imaged to evaluate the effects of sampling and background distributions on signal (lesion) visualization. In general, sufficient counting statistics limit the quality of the image and thus an optimization between the number of projections and the number of detected events is being explored. Reconstructed images of anthropomorphic breast phantoms did not appear to have distortion artifacts in regions inside the breast phantom containing a variety of spatial frequencies, but distortions did appear in some instances in the high frequency outer edge of the phantom in reconstructed images.
Rasch, Frisch, and Two Fishers: A Social History of the Econometric Origins of Some Widely Used Psychometric Models

In 1979, the Danish mathematician Georg Rasch recounted a 1959 visit with his former teacher, and later economics Nobel Prize winner, Ragnar Frisch. At this time, Frisch prompted Rasch to formalize his work in a separability theorem. Previously unnoted is that Frisch’s close colleague, Irving Fisher, had decades before formulated an econometric "separation theorem," for which Frisch defined necessary and sufficient conditions of its satisfaction. Rasch attributes important features of his model to Ronald Fisher’s concept of statistical sufficiency, but he appears to have been prepared to find special value in sufficiency by two concepts circulating in Norway during his (Rasch's) time with Frisch. The first stems from Frisch's stress on structural invariance (referred to by him as autonomy), and the second from various economists' efforts to found econometric models in analogies from mathematical models in physics. Rasch’s models may have more significance for econometrics than has yet been accorded.
Four applications of conformal equivalence to geometry and dynamics

Conformal equivalence theorem from complex analysis says that every Riemannian metric on a compact surface with negative Euler characteristics can be obtained by multiplying a metric of constant negative curvature by a scalar function. This fact is used to produce information about the topological and metric entropies of the geodesic flow associated with a Riemannian metric, geodesic length spectrum, geodesic and harmonic measures of infinity and Cheeger asymptotic isoperimetric constant. The method is rather uniform and is based on a comparison of extremals for variational problems for conformally equivalent metrics.
The microtubule stabilizing agent laulimalide does not bind in the taxoid site, kills cells resistant to paclitaxel and epothilones, and may not require its epoxide moiety for activity.

Laulimalide is a cytotoxic natural product that stabilizes microtubules. The compound enhances tubulin assembly, and laulimalide is quantitatively comparable to paclitaxel in its effects on the reaction. Laulimalide is also active in P-glycoprotein overexpressing cells, while isolaulimalide, a congener without the drug's epoxide moiety, was reported to have negligible cytotoxic and biochemical activity [Mooberry et al. (1999) Cancer Res. 59, 653−660]. We report here that laulimalide binds at a site on tubulin polymer that is distinct from the taxoid site. We found that laulimalide, while as active as paclitaxel, epothilone A, and eleutherobin in promoting the assembly of cold-stable microtubules, was unable to inhibit the binding of radiolabeled paclitaxel or of 7-O-[N-(2,7-difluoro-4'-fluoresceincarbonyl)-l-alanyl]paclitaxel, a fluorescent paclitaxel derivative, to tubulin. Confirming this observation, we demonstrated that microtubules formed in the presence of both laulimalide and paclitaxel contained n...
Adding diagnostics to intelligent robot systems

Robot systems are increasing in complexity. Trying to diagnose a robot that is non-functional or exhibiting suboptimal performance can be a major challenge. A framework for plug-n-play addition of diagnostics to modules in an object oriented software framework is presented. The methods for modeling of system modules, their transition to a Bayesian model and final implementation are described. The methodology is exemplified for a mobile manipulation system and experimental results are presented.
Short-term variability of nitrogen dioxide in the winter stratosphere

Measurements of limb radiance from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) satellite are used to infer the NO2 density at the 10- and 16-mbar pressure levels from January 1 to March 31 of 1982. A photochemical-dynamical model is developed using the presently accepted chemistry of the NO(x) family. The dynamical model produces isentropic trajectories which simulate the history of air parcels. From the trajectories the photochemical model calculates NO2 densities, which are compared to those observed by SME. Although the model generally reproduces the spatial and temporal variations rather well, some disagreement was noted for conditions of exceptionally low temperatures. Further analysis indicates that the temperature sensitivity of the N2O5 photolysis cross sections may be overestimated at low temperatures.
Estimation of general rigid body motion from a long sequence of images

The authors propose a new state formulation to analyze object motion with arbitrary orders of translation and rotation from a sequence of video images. An extended Kalman filter is used to find the estimates sequentially from noisy images. Simulations showed that the proposed formulation was quite effective for estimating nonconstant rigid body motion. >
Electron-Molecule Scattering

The amplitude for the scattering of an electron off a molecule may contain both direct and resonant parts.
Hatchability of Chicken Embryos Exposed to Acute High Temperature Stress at Various Ages

Abstract Two experiments were conducted in which chicken embryos of various ages were subjected to acute high temperature stress to determine the effect on embryonic mortality and hatchability. Embryos were incubated at a temperature of 37.5 C (control) until they were 3, 7, 11, 16, or 19 days of age. Embryos of each age were separated into five groups and exposed to an incubation stress temperature of 43.3 C for various lengths of time. After exposure, the embryos were placed back into control incubators until hatching. Exposing 3-day-old embryos for 12 hr to a temperature of 43.3 C decreased hatchabiltiy of fertile eggs to approximately 50% of controls. A similar decrease occurred with 7-day-old embryos after only 4 hr of heat stress and with the 11 and 16-day-old embryos after 7 hr of stress. More than 50% reduction in hatchability occurred after 5 hr of heat stress with 19-day-old embryos. These results indicated that 3-day-old embryos are more resistant to heat stress and 7-day-old embryos less resistant to heat stress than previously indicated in the literature. Chicks that hatched following severe heat stress had wiry down, were usually weak and/or inactive, and often were unable to stand.
Free Energies of Formation of Metal Clusters and Nanoparticles from Molecular Simulations: Aln with n ) 2-60

Efficient simulation methods are presented for determining the standard Gibbs free energy changes for the reactions, M + Mn-1 T Mn (R1), involved in the formation of atomic clusters and nanoparticles (also called particles) in the vapor phase. The standard Gibbs free energy of formation (¢fG°) of a particle is obtained from these Gibbs free energy changes (¢G°) by a recursion relationship using the experimental ¢fG° of the monomer. In the present study, this method has been applied to reactions involving Aln particles with n ) 2-60. This method has been validated for n ) 2, where the experimental thermodynamic properties of Al2 have been recompiled using the latest available experimental or highly accurate theoretical data. For n ) 2-4, two completely different approaches, a Monte Carlo configuration integral (MCCI) integration of partition functions and a Monte Carlo direct simulation of the equilibrium constants (MCEC), employing four wellvalidated potential energy functions have been used to calculate ¢G° of R1. Excellent agreement is observed for these two methods. Although different potential energy functions give different stage-1 results for n e 10, three high-level correction (HLC) terms, namely, a correction for the potential energy difference of the global minima, another for the electronic excitation contribution, and a third based on calculating isomeric rovibrational contribution, have been applied to mitigate deficiencies in the potential energy functions. For n ) 2, good agreement has been found between the corrected simulation results and experimental data. For larger n, the more efficient MCEC method has been used. Finally, accurate ¢G° of R1 and thus ¢fG° of Aln particles with n ) 2-60 have been determined. This is the first example of the determination of nanoparticle free energies of formation.
George Bushe and the "Rutgers Medical Faculty".

Cowen tells the tale of of the life of George Bushe (1799-1837) and his career at the short-lived "Rutgers Medical College" that was located in New York.Â The college's affiliation with Rutgers only lasted from 1828 to 1830.Â Bushe was a Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at the college.
A 0.18/spl mu/m-CMOS near-end crosstalk (NEXT) noise canceller for 4-PAM/20Gbps throughput transmission over backplane channels

This paper demonstrates an active near-end crosstalk (NEXT) noise canceller intended for use in commercial backplanes. Optimum system architecture and specifications are generated using measured channel data. Additionally, CMOS circuit implementation approaches are introduced and their performances are discussed. The NEXT canceller is applied to a 20Gbps 4-PAM signal over a 16-inch backplane channel and shows 75% cancellation.
Alteration of homeobox gene expression by N-ras transformation of PA-1 human teratocarcinoma cells.

Abstract We used a series of cell clones from a human teratocarcinoma cell line, PA-1, to study the effect of transformation by an activated N-ras oncogene on the expression of genes involved in retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation and growth regulation. Recently, it has been shown that expression of human HOX 2 genes is sequentially activated by RA beginning from Hox 2.9 at the 3' end of the HOX 2 cluster (A. Simeone, D. Acampora, L. Arcioni, P. W. Andrews, E. Boncinelli, and F. Mavilio, Nature [London] 346:763-766, 1990). We now report that six different genes of the cluster HOX 1 are sequentially induced by RA in a similar temporal pattern, beginning with genes at the 3' end of the cluster. However, in N-ras-transformed cell clones, RA-induced expression of these homeobox genes is delayed. Hox 1.4 and Hox 1.3, genes abundantly induced in nontransformed clones after 3 days of RA treatment, are expressed in N-ras-transformed cells only after 10 days of RA treatment. At this time, the cells' growth is arrested at very high density, and no differentiated morphologic characteristics are observed. Constitutive expression of a transfected Hox 1.4 gene under the control of a simian virus 40 promotor leads to differentiated cell morphology similar to that of the RA-induced phenotype and restores the growth-inhibitory effects of RA in N-ras-transformed cells. These observations provide evidence that enhanced proliferation in N-ras-transformed cells compromises teratocarcinoma cell differentiation by a mechanism that transiently suppresses homeobox gene induction and implies a central role for homeobox genes in RA-induced cell differentiation. We conclude that stimulation of a putative growth factor signal pathway, associated with ras-induced proliferation, transiently suppresses the induction of transcription factors functionally involved in cell growth and differentiation.
Controller design method for a cascaded converter system comprised of two DC-DC converters considering the effects of mutual interactions

This work analyzes the stability conditions of a cascaded converter system comprised of two dc-dc converters and proposes a new controller design procedure for the two converters considering their dynamic interactions. First, it introduces a single converter small-signal model and its mathematical representation and derives the required transfer functions from it. Next, it uses the single converter model to reach the cascaded converter system model and derives the principal equations for analyzing stability and controller design. Finally, it proposes a new design method based on the analysis of the derived equations. The simulation and experimental results are also provided, which verify the design procedure.
Commensal bacteria modulate cullin-dependent signaling via generation of reactive oxygen species.

The resident prokaryotic microflora of the mammalian intestine influences diverse homeostatic functions of the gut, including regulation of cellular growth and immune responses; however, it is unknown how commensal prokaryotic organisms mechanistically influence eukaryotic signaling networks. We have shown that bacterial coculture with intestinal epithelial cells modulates ubiquitin-mediated degradation of important signaling intermediates, including β-catenin and the NF-κB inhibitor IκB-α. Ubiquitination of these proteins as well as others is catalyzed by the SCFβTrCP ubiquitin ligase, which itself requires regulated modification of the cullin-1 subunit by the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8. Here we show that epithelia contacted by enteric commensal bacteria in vitro and in vivo rapidly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Bacterially induced ROS causes oxidative inactivation of the catalytic cysteine residue of Ubc12, the NEDD8-conjugating enzyme, resulting in complete but transient loss of cullin-1 neddylation and consequent effects on NF-κB and β-catenin signaling. Our results demonstrate that commensal bacteria directly modulate a critical control point of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, and suggest how enteric commensal bacterial flora influences the regulatory pathways of the mammalian intestinal epithelia.
Microdecompression for lumbar synovial cysts: an independent assessment of long term outcomes

Outcomes of surgical intervention for lumbar synovial cysts have been evaluated in the short and intermediate term. Concerns regarding cyst recurrence, the development of late instability at the involved level, and instability/stenosis at adjacent levels (when concomitant) fusion is performed suggest that long term follow-up is needed. This study aims to fill that void. Forty-six patients operated by a single surgeon not involved in the study were followed up long term at an average of 9.7 years (range 5 to 22 years) post-operatively. All patients underwent decompression (+/- concomitant arthrodesis in the presence of associated degenerative spondylolisthesis) using the operative microscope for magnification/illumination. Outcomes were assessed using a customized questionnaire evaluating: relief of pain/claudicant symptoms, numbness/parasthesias, and weakness; as well as late onset low back pain, new radicular symptoms, need for additional surgery, and patient satisfaction. Outcomes in patients with or without fusion were compared as well. 87% of patients noted resolution of their pre-operative pain, numbness, and weakness. 28% of patients developed late onset low back pain. 17% developed late onset radicular symptoms in a new nerve root distribution. 15% required subsequent additional surgery. 89% of patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome. No differences were found for any outcome measure between patients undergoing concomitant fusion and those undergoing decompression alone using the two-sample t-test. This study provides outcome data at an average of nearly ten years post-operative. This information should allow surgeons to provide realistic expectations for their patients regarding outcomes and should enhance the informed consent and surgical decision-making process.
Robust features of Atlantic multi-decadal variability and its climate impacts

[1] Atlantic Multi-decadal Variability (AMV), also known as the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO), is characterized by a sharp rise and fall of the North Atlantic basin-wide sea surface temperatures (SST) on multi-decadal time scales. Widespread consequences of these rapid temperature swings were noted in many previous studies. Among these are the drying of Sahel in the 1960–70s and change in the frequency and intensity of Atlantic hurricanes on multi-decadal time scales. Given the short instrumental data records (about a century long) the central question is whether these climate fluctuations are robustly linked with the AMV and to what extent are these connections subject to changes in a changing climate. Here we address this issue by using the CMIP3 simulations for the 20th, 21st, and pre-industrial eras with 23 IPCC models. While models tend to produce AMV of shorter time scales and less periodic than suggested by the observations, the spatial structures of the SST anomaly patterns, and their association with worldwide precipitation, are surprisingly similar between models (with differing external forcing) and observations. Our results confirm the strong link between AMV and Sahel rainfall and suggest a clear physical mechanism for the linkage in terms of meridional shifts of the Atlantic ITCZ. The results also help clarify influences that may not be robust, such as the impacts over North America, India, and Australia.
Mesh-Based Microstructure Representation Algorithm for Simulating Pore-scale Transport Phenomena in Porous Media

In the conventional CFD approach, a prescribed physical domain of porous medium with existing fluid-solid interface is mapped onto a computational domain, which is then geometrically discretized by mesh generation. This would be formidable task if hundreds or thousands of pores of irregular shapes are to be mapped. In the new approach developed here, the geometry discretization is made easy by taking the reverse sequence of conventional steps. First, the outline of the computational domain is selected to represent the physical domain of interest.
Chinese Military Space Power: U.S. Department of Defense Annual Reports

ABSTRACTFollowing instructions received from the U.S. Congress in the 2000 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense prepared an annual report on Chinese military power. This report contains classified and unclassified editions. Documenting Chinese military space power developments was one of the provisions in this law’s authorizing language. This article will examine how Chinese military space power documents have been described by the Department of Defense during this report’s existence through 2015 and detail how members of Congress and Congressional committee hearing witnesses reacted to these developments in Congressional hearing transcripts and in Congressional debate through Fall 2015.
Major histocompatibility complex I upregulation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma is associated with increased survival

Abstract Objective To examine the prognostic value of tumor major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) expression on survival and recurrence in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods Fifty-three patients that underwent nephrectomy at our institution for clear cell RCC (T1–T3) with ≥4 years of follow-up were queried from our nephrectomy database. Immunohistochemical staining for MHCI was performed on tumor specimens and MHCI expression was quantified with an automated image analysis technique. Patients were divided into high and low MHCI expression groups in order to study the relationship between MHCI expression and prognosis using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Results Overall survival and recurrence free survival were increased in the high MHCI expression group compared to the low MHCI expression group (log-rank, p = 0.036 and p = 0.028, respectively). Patients alive at the end of the study had higher MHCI expression (mean positivity score 0.82) than those that died of disease (mean positivity score 0.76, t test, p = 0.030). Patients that did not develop recurrence during the study period had higher MHCI expression (mean positivity score 0.83) than those that did develop recurrence (mean positivity score 0.78), but this difference was not significant (t test, p = 0.079). Conclusion Our data demonstrate that high MHCI expression confers improved overall and recurrence free survival in patients with clear cell RCC and could serve as an important prognostic tool in identifying high-risk patients.
Interactions between angiotensin II and nitric oxide during exercise in normal and heart failure rats

We hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) opposes ANG II-induced increases in arterial pressure and reductions in renal, splanchnic, and skeletal muscle vascular conductance during dynamic exercise in normal and heart failure rats. Regional blood flow and vascular conductance were measured during treadmill running before (unblocked exercise) and after 1) ANG II AT(1)-receptor blockade (losartan, 20 mg/kg ia), 2) NO synthase (NOS) inhibition [N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME); 10 mg/kg ia], or 3) ANG II AT(1)-receptor blockade + NOS inhibition (combined blockade). Renal conductance during unblocked exercise (4.79 +/- 0.31 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1)) was increased after ANG II AT(1)-receptor blockade (6.53 +/- 0.51 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1)) and decreased by NOS inhibition (2.12 +/- 0.20 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1)) and combined inhibition (3.96 +/- 0.57 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1); all P < 0.05 vs. unblocked). In heart failure rats, renal conductance during unblocked exercise (5.50 +/- 0.66 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1)) was increased by ANG II AT(1)-receptor blockade (8.48 +/- 0.83 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1)) and decreased by NOS inhibition (2.68 +/- 0.22 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1); both P < 0.05 vs. unblocked), but it was unaltered during combined inhibition (4.65 +/- 0.51 ml x 100 g(-1) x min(-1) x mmHg(-1)). Because our findings during combined blockade could be predicted from the independent actions of NO and ANG II, no interaction was apparent between these two substances in control or heart failure animals. In skeletal muscle, L-NAME-induced reductions in conductance, compared with unblocked exercise (P < 0.05), were abolished during combined inhibition in heart failure but not in control rats. These observations suggest that ANG II causes vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle that is masked by NO-evoked dilation in animals with heart failure. Because reductions in vascular conductance between unblocked exercise and combined inhibition were less than would be predicted from the independent actions of NO and ANG II, an interaction exists between these two substances in heart failure rats. L-NAME-induced increases in arterial pressure during treadmill running were attenuated (P < 0.05) similarly in both groups by combined inhibition. These findings indicate that NO opposes ANG II-induced increases in arterial pressure and in renal and skeletal muscle resistance during dynamic exercise.
Laser Direct Write Fabrication of Meta-Antennas for Electro-Optic Conversion

For electro-optic modulators, traveling wave designs are implemented due to the long interaction area necessary to efficiently modulate a signal with low voltages as a result of LiNbO3’s modest electro-optic coefficient (r33 =30 pm/V). However, with metamaterial inspired, electrically small resonator antennas, high field enhancements can be produced which allow the modulation of optical signals directly from the antennas, bypassing the need for a separate modulator [1]. For this work, Laser Direct Write (LDW) proved to be a useful tool in fabricating various meta-antenna array structures. The additive techniques of laser direct write, coupled with more traditional micromachining, have allowed the quick fabrication of these resonator meta-antennas so that the desired specifications, including resonant frequency and field enhancement, can be tested quickly and appropriate updates to the design can be made. This allows a designer to shift the resonant frequency and increase the field enhancement necessary to get the required device performance. The Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) technique was used initially for lower frequency designs (X-band); however, Laser Decal Transfer (LDT) was used subsequently for designs with higher frequencies by employing a digital mirror device to modulate the image of the beam. The resulting designs showed good fabrication consistency in terms of resonant frequency and comparable field enhancement to resonators fabricated through traditional lithography.
Design curves of a substrate-backed printed-dipole in an infinite-array environment and a novel reflectarray unit-cell design example

This paper presents complete characterization of a printed dipole on a grounded dielectric substrate and in an infinite array environment. Specifically, the effect of substrate thickness, strip width, dielectric constant on resonant input impedance and resonant length are computed and plotted as design curves. Moreover, the effect of delta-gap and inter-element spacing on the input impedance of the strip dipole is also explored. Finally, a novel reflectarray unit-cell design example is proposed where a coupled-line balun is used as a phase tuning element of the reflectarray.
Standardization of 99m Technetium pyrophosphate imaging methodology to diagnose TTR cardiac amyloidosis

Technetium pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) imaging to diagnose transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) has been increasingly utilized. The objective of this study is to provide a standardized 99mTc-PYP imaging protocol to diagnose ATTR-CA. 104 scans from 45 subjects with biopsy-proven ATTR-CA or light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL) were assessed. Multiple scans were obtained using different counts (750 vs 2000 K), times to acquisition (1 vs 2 to 4 hours), processing matrix (256 vs 128), and 99mTc-PYP dose. Image quality and extracardiac activity was assessed. Quantitative methods using heart-to-contralateral ratios (H/CL) and a visual semiquantitative scale were used to diagnose ATTR-CA.19 The correlation between H/CL ratios and reproducibility of semiquantitative visual scores, acquired using various imaging parameters, were evaluated. All imaging parameters had good to excellent image quality. 750 vs 2000 K counts, 1 hour acquisition and 256 matrix, had lower extracardiac activity (P = .00018). 10 mCi of 99mTc-PYP v. higher doses showed excellent image quality and less extracardiac activity (P = .0015). Correlation of H/CL ratios was strong (r ≥ 0.92) and reproducibility of semiquantitative visual scores was high (Kappa = 95%). An imaging protocol using 750 K counts, 10 mCi of 99mTc-PYP, and a 256 matrix was chosen as the standardized imaging protocol since it provided the shortest overall study time (1 vs 2 to 4 hours) and lowest radiation exposure (3 vs 8 to 10 mSv).
Tuberculous optochiasmatic arachnoiditis and vision loss

A 24-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of fever, vomiting, and gradual onset bilateral frontal headache. CSF was notable for lymphocytosis, high protein, and low glucose and lactate dehydrogenase, but acid-fast bacilli were only noted 1 month after initial sampling. The patient subsequently developed vision loss with no light perception bilaterally despite prompt antituberculous and steroid therapy. MRI revealed optochiasmatic arachnoiditis and tuberculomas (figure). Tuberculous meningitis has a propensity for the skull base, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, causing visual impairment in 25%–27% of patients.1,2 Prompt recognition and initiation of antituberculous and steroid therapy is crucial.
Developmental Kinesics: Cultural Differences in the Acquisition of Nonverbal Behavior

The nonverbal modes of conversational interaction are acquired in a manner quite similar to that for the rules for verbal language. The process is a complex interplay of genetic-biological factors,...
Maximal Force Increases at Physiological Temperature in Myocardial Strips from Non-Failing and Failing Human Hearts

Heart failure contributes to 1 in 9 deaths in the United States. Contractile deficits at the myofilament level may contribute to the heart inadequately pumping blood throughout the body. Yet, few studies have investigated force production and cross-bridge kinetics at physiological temperature in human myocardium from non-failing and failing hearts. Using skinned myocardial strips from the left ventricle free wall, we found that maximal Ca2+-activated, isometric force was ∼35% greater in non-failing vs. failing tissue at both 17 and 37°C (p<0.001 for condition effect at pCa 4.8 and 2.3 µm sarcomere length). Moreover, increasing temperature from 17 to 37°C increased maximal force by roughly 30% and 40% in non-failing and failing myocardial strips, respectively (p<0.001 for temperature effect). Ca2+-sensitivity of the force-pCa relationship was reduced for non-failing vs. failing myocardial strips (p=0.03 for condition effect), with differences in pCa50 being greatest at 17°C between non-failing and failing samples. These decreases in maximal force and increases in Ca2+-sensitivity of the force-pCa relationship that occurred with heart failure were not driven via differences in cross-bridge attachment or detachment kinetics, as kinetics measures were largely consistent among non-failing and failing samples at each temperature. However, cross-bridge kinetics were 12-13 times faster at physiological temperature vs. 17°C in both non-failing and failing samples (p<0.001 for temperature effect), thereby representing a Q10 of ∼3.5 for cross-bridge attachment and detachment rates in human myocardial strips. Thus, faster cross-bridge cycling rates accompanied greater force production at physiological temperature in both non-failing and failing samples. In addition, these data suggest that heart failure compromises force production without significantly altering cross-bridge kinetics, both at sub-physiological and physiological temperatures in human myocardium.
Growth Mode and Defects in Aluminum Nitride Sublimed on (0001) 6H-SiC Substrates

The effect of substrate preparation on the sublimation growth of AlN at about 1800°C and 400 torr on (0001) 6H-SiC was investigated. The AlN grew in the step flow growth mode on an off-axis 6H-SiC substrate with a 6H-SiC epilayer, an island growth mode on as-received substrates, and a 2-D growth mode on substrates first coated with an AlN epitaxial layer by MOCVD. Cracks in the deposited AlN crystal due to the lattice and thermal expansion coefficient mismatches were always observed by SEM and optical microscopy.
A LabVIEW based test-bed with off-the-shelf components for research in mobile sensor networks

This paper describes the development of a mobile sensor network test-bed at the Automation and Robotics Research Institute (University of Texas at Arlington). LabVIEW high-level programming language is used to program, control and monitor a variety of off-the-shelf hardware platforms (both sensor motes and mobile robots). The test-bed is composed of two independent mobile sensor networks connected to the same base station. The first network has controlled mobility and performs environmental monitoring tasks. The second network has random mobility and acts as an unpredictable source of events for the first network. After providing a detailed description of the hardware and software design of our test-bed, we describe two case studies in mobile sensor network research which we are currently implementing on our test-bed, namely potential field localization and discrete event coordination.
Pilot Results of the Early Detection by Ultrasound of Carotid Artery Intima–Media Thickness Evaluation (EDUCATE) Study

Background Limitations of current models for risk stratification are known. Noninvasive imaging is being advocated as an adjunct to improve risk prediction; however, studies documenting outcomes are rare. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the negative and positive predictive values of carotid atherosclerosis for future cardiovascular events. Methods The Early Detection by Ultrasound of Carotid Artery intima media Thickness Evaluation (EDUCATE) study prospectively enrolled 253 consecutive young to middle-aged adults undergoing elective coronary angiography. Bilateral carotid ultrasound and lipid profiles were performed. Carotid atherosclerosis was defined as intima media thickness ≥1.0 mm in the main body, or focal plaque within the body, bulb, or proximal branch. Future events included major (death, myocardial infarction, stroke) and minor (revascularization and new onset heart failure). Results Of the enrolled patients 236 completed all tests; mean age was 51 ± 8 years; 58% women. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values for carotid atherosclerosis in predicting severe coronary artery disease were 72%, 49% and 79%, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0). Of patients suffering major events, 90% had carotid atherosclerosis. Only 1 of 95 without carotid atherosclerosis experienced a major event. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed differences in event-free survival in favor of subjects without carotid atherosclerosis for major (P = .051) and any event (P = .015). Cox analysis revealed a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.7 (95% CI 1.2–6.2; P = .020) for predicting future events. The relationship remained significant after adjusting for traditional risk factors (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.9; P = .034). Conclusions Carotid atherosclerosis is associated with severe coronary artery disease and future events. Negative carotid ultrasound is associated with excellent prognosis.
Improving Sleep Attributes of Military Personnel in Operational Settings by Controlling Exposure to Blue Light

Military members often work in challenging environments. Their sleep is degraded by extended operational commitments and the requirement to work in shifts. Exposure to light at circadian inappropriate times may also have a detrimental impact on service members’ sleep, fatigue levels, and mood. This two-week field study assessed whether sleep-related attributes can be improved by limiting exposure to blue light prior to sleep. Participants (N=30) were observed for one week without using blue light blocking glasses followed by a second week when they used blue light blocking glasses for two hours prior to their bedtimes. Sleep was assessed with wristworn actigraphy. Daytime sleepiness decreased (p=0.011), and mood improved (p<0.001) after wearing the glasses. Insomnia symptoms decreased while sleep onset latency and sleep quality improved, although not at statistically significant levels. These findings suggest that controlling exposure to blue light for two hours prior to sleep has a beneficial effect on s...
Cryo-EM structures reveal specialization at the myosin VI-actin interface and a mechanism of force sensitivity

Like miniature motors, proteins called myosins generate the forces needed for cells to move and for muscles to contract. Myosins use the energy stored in a chemical called ATP to move along filaments made from another protein called actin and produce force. The same part of the myosin protein that binds to and uses ATP also contacts actin. As a myosin protein consumes ATP, it cycles through a series of shape changes to drive the motor protein forward, altering how it interacts with the actin filament in the process. Although all myosins use ATP in fundamentally the same way, individual members of this protein family have specialized properties that enable them to carry out different roles. It is not clear whether each type of myosin makes unique contacts with the actin filament, which could help determine these properties. Furthermore, mechanical forces can control the activity of myosin motors in ways that are poorly understood. Gurel et al. have now looked at a family member called myosin VI, which moves in the opposite direction along actin filaments relative to other myosins, to better understand the properties of these proteins. An imaging technique called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was used to determine the three-dimensional structure of myosin VI bound to actin at two steps in its cycle. Gurel et al. found that myosin VI formed specific interactions with actin that were very different from another myosin family member called myosin IIc, whose structure bound to actin was already known. In addition, the structural changes observed between the two stages of myosin VI’s cycle provided insight into how force could be used to control the motor. Together these findings give a more detailed picture of how myosins work. They suggest that the surface of myosin that contacts actin can evolve to change the properties of a specific myosin. Studies of other myosins bound to actin will provide further insight into how distinct interactions relate to motor-specific properties. Future studies could also help scientists to understand how mutations in genes for myosins – which have been linked to a number of diseases in humans – alter the way in which myosins interact with actin filaments. This in turn could give insight into how these mutations disrupt the proteins’ activities.
The Structural Affinity Method for Solving the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test for Intelligence

Graphical models offer techniques for capturing the structure of many problems in real-world domains and provide means for representation, interpretation, and inference. The modeling framework provides tools for discovering rules for solving problems by exploring structural relationships. We present the Structural Affinity method that uses graphical models for first learning and subsequently recognizing the pattern for solving problems on the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test of general human intelligence. Recently there has been considerable work on computational models of addressing the Raven's test using various representations ranging from fractals to symbolic structures. In contrast, our method uses Markov Random Fields parameterized by affinity factors to discover the structure in the geometric analogy problems and induce the rules of Carpenter et al.'s cognitive model of problem-solving on the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test. We provide a computational account that first learns the structure of a Raven's problem and then predicts the solution by computing the probability of the correct answer by recognizing patterns corresponding to Carpenter et al.'s rules. We demonstrate that the performance of our model on the Standard Raven Progressive Matrices is comparable with existing state of the art models.
Uncertainty quantification in a resonant nonlinear mems structure

Abstract This work is focused on Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) analysis on a nonlinear MEMS T-beam structure exhibiting a 1:2 autoparametric internal resonance. The study is presented by elaborating on the sources of uncertainty in fabrication and operation of the device and their quantification techniques. Nonlinear response of the system is formulated by using a two-mode model constructed with the lowest two linear modes of the structure in conjunction with nonlinear Lagrangian representing the dynamics of the beam structure as well as the excitation mechanism. The focus of system’s nonlinear dynamics is on the case when the two lowest modes are in 1:2 internal resonance. Thus, UQ is carried out in two steps. First, propagation and quantification of uncertainty in linear analysis outputs namely mode shapes, natural frequencies and tuning ratio is performed, and then a UQ analysis on the nonlinear response obtained from averaged equations determined by the averaged Lagrangian is carried out. Sensitivity analysis is performed of the nonlinear system to reduce the number of parameters by filtering out the non-critical parameters. Response surface analysis is performed using the generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) to generate an equivalent mathematical model. A comparison of response surface method with direct sampling is done to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of gPC collocation technique for up to 5 uncertain parameters. The criticality of tuning, between the first two linear modes of vibration, for device operation is shown. Application of UQ techniques on the nonlinear 1:2 resonant system is presented. The performance of the device is characterized by steady-state amplitude of the lower mode. The influence of aleatoric uncertainties in system parameters is studied and quantification is carried out for a given range of parametric uncertainties.