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3D printed structures suffered weak bead-to-bead interfacial bonding due to the layer-by-layer manufacturing process. The hot isostatic pressing (HIP) method was effective in improving the micro-structures and enhancing the mechanical properties of 3D printed structures, but it was limited due to the high-cost device and process. Inspired by the HIP method, and aimed at improving the compressive properties of 3D printed thin-walled structures, this work proposed a low-cost granular-medium hot quasi-isostatic pressing (GMHQIP) method realized by the homemade equipment. The hot quasi-isostatic ambient pressure could be produced by pressing the granular medium in the high-temperature environment. The thin-walled structures treated by the GMHQIP method showed a more regular progressive deformation mode than non-treated structures. Compared to the non-treated structure, the specific energy absorption of thin-walled structures treated at 200 °C with 2 MPa for 8 h significantly increased by 170.4 % to the value of 4.95 J/g. The results indicated that the strength and toughness of 3D printed materials improved significantly after the GMHQIP treatment. The interfacial bonding of 3D printed structures was enhanced by using the GMHQIP method. This work offered a low-cost and efficient post-processing method for 3D printed structures to improve compressive properties.

We performed genome-wide association studies of breast cancer including 18,034 cases and 22,104 controls of African ancestry. Genetic variants at 12 loci were associated with breast cancer risk (P< 5 × 10−8), including associations of a low-frequency missense variant rs61751053 in ARHGEF38with overall breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 1.48) and a common variant rs76664032 at chromosome 2q14.2 with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (OR = 1.30). Approximately 15.4% of cases with TNBC carried six risk alleles in three genome-wide association study-identified TNBC risk variants, with an OR of 4.21 (95% confidence interval = 2.66–7.03) compared with those carrying fewer than two risk alleles. A polygenic risk score (PRS) showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.60 for the prediction of breast cancer risk, which outperformed PRS derived using data from females of European ancestry. Our study markedly increases the population diversity in genetic studies for breast cancer and demonstrates the utility of PRS for risk prediction in females of African ancestry.

The extraction of magnesium by prefabricated pellets with CaSi2as reductant was studied under relative vacuum. The morphologies, chemical compositions and phases of the reduction slag were analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The results showed that a small amount of argon flow could greatly improve the reduction rate of MgO. The process of extracting magnesium from prefabricated pellets under relative vacuum could be well explained by Model F1. The process of reducing magnesium oxide by CaSi2was a solid—liquid reaction. This process was controlled by chemical reaction, the temperature had a great influence on the reduction reaction, and the value of the apparent activation energy was 108.99 kJ/mol. The phase analysis of reduction slag showed that the content of MgO had an effect on the crystal transformation of Ca2SiO4.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal operational strategies in a green platform supply chain and provide suggestions on the selection of sales and financing modes for the capital-constrained manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach: This study combines different sales channels with financing modes and investigates three sales-financing modes, i.e. traditional sales-prepayment financing (TSPF), traditional sales-bank financing (TSBF) and online sales e-retailer financing (OSEF). By establishing and comparing Stackelberg game models of these sales-financing modes from the perspectives of economy, environment and social welfare, the optimal strategies of emission reduction, financing, pricing and service improvement are obtained. Findings: The results suggest that as the commission rate increases to a certain level, a threshold of the cost coefficient of emission reduction can be found such that the manufacturer should choose OSEF below this threshold and TSBF above this threshold. OSEF is Pareto optimal when this cost coefficient is low, and this mode can lead to the highest social welfare when the platform loan interest rate is relatively low. The Pareto areas in TSBF and OSEF enlarge as the default coefficient decreases. Practical implications: These results can provide operational insights on how to select sales channels and financing modes when manufacturer faces financial constraints in emission reduction. Originality/value: This paper combines different sales and financing modes to study their comprehensive influence on the decision-makings of chain members and the resulting performance of economy, environment and social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approval and wide uptake of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in oncology practice raise the concerns of possibly worsened racial disparities in cancer treatment due to biological and psychosocial reasons. We propose a multilevel biopsychosocial model to understand the opportunities and challenges to racial disparities in the era of cancer immunotherapy.

Aversive emotion of opioid withdrawal generates motivational state leading to compulsive drug seeking and taking. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous ligand dynorphin have been shown to participate in the regulation of aversive emotion. In the present study, we investigated the role of dynorphin/KOR system in the aversive emotion following opioid withdrawal in acute morphine-dependent mice. We found that blockade of KORs before pairing by intracerebroventricular injection of KOR antagonist norBNI (20, 40 μg) attenuated the development of morphine withdrawal-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) behavior. We further found that morphine withdrawal increased dynorphin A expression in the dorsal hippocampus, but not in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and thalamus. Microinjection of norBNI (20 μg) into the dorsal hippocampus significantly decreased morphine withdrawal-induced CPA behavior. We further found that p38 MAPK was significantly activated in the dorsal hippocampus after morphine withdrawal, and the activation of p38 MAPK was blocked by pretreatment with norBNI. Accordingly, microinjection of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (5 μg) into the dorsal hippocampus significantly decreased morphine withdrawal-produced CPA behavior. This study demonstrates that upregulation of dynorphin/KOR system in the dorsal hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation of aversive emotion associated with morphine withdrawal, suggesting that KOR antagonists may have therapeutic value for the treatment of opioid withdrawal-induced mood-related disorders.

This article considers e-commerce platforms with and without promotion, builds biform game models consisting of one and two supplier platforms, and calculates the profit distribution of the three parties using the Shapley value method. The optimal strategies of the three parties are discussed, including which platform the supplier will choose to cooperate with and which logistics service strategy to choose. In addition, how platforms make their commission rates to attract suppliers and which promotion strategy to choose are also studied. The results show that regardless of whether the platform promotes sales or not, in the case of charging consumers for the shipping fee when the standard shipping fee of unit product is low, the supplier will choose to cooperate with the platform without self-built logistics and use the third-party logistics to deliver products. When the standard shipping fee is high, the supplier will choose to cooperate with the platform with self-built logistics. But in the case of free shipping for consumers, the conclusion is just the opposite.

IMPORTANCE: The prevalence of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in cancer susceptibility genes in US Black women compared with non-Hispanic White women with breast cancer is poorly described. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether US Black and non-Hispanic White women with breast cancer have a different prevalence of PVs in 12 cancer susceptibility genes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Multicenter, population-based studies in the Cancer Risk Estimates Related to Susceptibility (CARRIERS) consortium. Participants were Black and non-Hispanic White women diagnosed with breast cancer, unselected for family history or age at diagnosis. Data were collected from June 1993 to June 2020; data analysis was performed between September 2020 and February 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Prevalence of germline PVs in 12 established breast cancer susceptibility genes. RESULTS: Among 3946 Black women (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 56.5 [12.02] y) and 25 287 non-Hispanic White women (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 62.7 [11.14] y) with breast cancer, there was no statistically significant difference by race in the combined prevalence of PVs in the 12 breast cancer susceptibility genes evaluated (5.65% in Black vs 5.06% in non-Hispanic White women; P = .12). The prevalence of PVs in CHEK2 was higher in non-Hispanic White than Black patients (1.29% vs 0.38%; P &lt; .001), whereas Black patients had a higher prevalence of PVs in BRCA2 (1.80% vs 1.24%; P = .005) and PALB2 (1.01% vs 0.40%; P &lt; .001). For estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer, the prevalence of PVs was not different except for PALB2, which was higher in Black women. In women diagnosed before age 50 years, there was no difference in overall prevalence of PVs in Black vs non-Hispanic White women (8.83% vs 10.04%; P = .25), and among individual genes, only CHEK2 PV prevalence differed by race. After adjustment for age at diagnosis, the standardized prevalence ratio of PVs in non-Hispanic White relative to Black women was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.14), and there was no longer a statistically significant difference in BRCA2 PV prevalence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This large population-based case-control study revealed no clinically meaningful differences in the prevalence of PVs in 12 breast cancer susceptibility genes between Black and non-Hispanic White women with breast cancer. The findings suggest that there is not sufficient evidence to make policy changes related to genetic testing based on race alone. Instead, all efforts should be made to ensure equal access to and uptake of genetic testing to minimize disparities in care and outcomes.

Hispanic children have a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and inferior treatment outcomes relative to non-Hispanic White children. We previously reported that Hispanic children with ALL had lower risk of fracture and osteonecrosis. To unravel the genetic root of such ethnic differences, we genotyped 449 patients from the DFCI 05-001 cohort and analyzed their ancestry. Patients with discordant clinical and genetic ancestral groups were reclassified, and those with unknown ancestry were reassigned on the basis of genetic estimates. Both clinical and genetic ancestries were analyzed in relation to risk of bone toxicities and survival outcomes. Consistent with clinically reported race/ethnicity, genetically defined Hispanic and Black patients had significantly lower risk of fracture (Hispanic: subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.81; P= .01; Black: SHR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.10-0.75; P= .01), and osteonecrosis (Hispanic: SHR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.93; P= .04; Black: SHR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.08-0.78; P= .02). The lower risk was driven by African but not Native American or Asian ancestry. In addition, patients with a higher percentage of Native American ancestry had significantly poorer overall survival and event-free survival. Our study revealed that the lower risk of bone toxicities among Black and Hispanic children treated for ALL was attributed, in part, to the percentage of African ancestry in their genetic admixture. The findings provide suggestive evidence for the protective effects of genetic factors associated with African decent against bone damage caused by ALL treatment and clues for future studies to identify underlying biological mechanisms.

SLL-039 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α−4′-(N’-benzoyl) amino-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine) and SLL-1206 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α−3′-(p-methoxybenzyl) amino-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine) are two 4,5-epoxymorphinan-based high selective κ receptor agonists that we recently discovered. In the present study we characterized their pharmacological properties in comparison with arylacetamide-based typical κ agonist U50,488H. We showed that both SLL-039 and SLL-1206 produced potent and long-lasting antinociceptive actions in three different rodent models of pain via activation of κ opioid receptor. In hot-plate assay, the antinociceptive potency of SLL-039 and SLL-1206 increased about 11-and 17.3-fold compared to U50,488H and morphine, respectively, with ED50values of 0.4 mg/kg. Following repeated administration, SLL-1206, SLL-039, and U50,488H all developed analgesic tolerance tested in hot-plate assay. U50,488H and SLL-039 produced antipruritic effects in a dose-dependent manner, whereas SLL-1206 displayed some antipruritic effects only at very low doses. In addition, SLL-1206 was capable of decreasing morphine-induced physical dependence. More importantly, SLL-039 and SLL-1206 at effective analgesic doses did not cause sedation and conditioned place aversion (CPA), whereas U50,488H did. In comparison with SLL-039, SLL-1206 caused similar antinociceptive responses, but fewer sedation and CPA. In conclusion, our results suggest that SLL-039 and SLL-1206 have potential to be developed as novel analgesic agents, and 4,5-expoxymorphinan scaffold is an attractive structure for the development of selective κ agonists with fewer side effects.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.Loss of immunoreactivity in tissue sections has been shown to occur when slide sections are stored at room temperature for prolonged periods of time. We conducted a systematic investigation to determine the extent of staining loss in various storage conditions to determine an optimal storage method. We investigated 6 antibodies that are commonly used for breast cancer subtyping in research studies with immunohistochemistry (ER, PR, HER2, CK5/6, EGFR, and Ki67) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast tissue microarrays consisting of 148 patients. Tissue microarrays were sectioned at various time points: fresh, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months before staining. Slides sectioned at each time point were stored in 5 storage conditions: desiccator, paraffin dipped, 4°C, −20°C, and −80°C. Immunohistochemistry scores were assessed over time with McNemar Test and Bowker Test of Symmetry. Desiccator storage was the only storage condition that did not show any loss in immunoreactivity for any antibody or time point in our study. Paraffin coated slides were the most difficult storage method operationally and also showed the most loss in immunoreactivity. Storing sections in a desiccator was the most effective method for minimizing immunoreactivity loss. Cold storage at 4°C is an intermediate option that is not as protective as a desiccator, but offers the advantage of being accessible to virtually all research labs.

Racial/ethnic disparities persist in clinical trials on immune checkpoint inhibitors, urging improved diversity efforts.

Rosemary is one of the most promising, versatile, and studied natural preservatives. Carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CARN), as the primary active ingredients of rosemary extracts, have little difference in structure, but their antioxidant activities vary significantly, depending on the system studied. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. By means of optical spectroscopies, stopped-flow, laser photolysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have compared CA and CARN between their reaction dynamics of radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, and oxidation inhibition in lipid emulsion and beef, as well as between their interactions with β-carotene (β-Car). For reference, 3-isopropyl catechol (IC), which is structurally similar to the active groups of CA and CARN, was studied in parallel. It is found for CA that the intramolecular hydrogen bond can boost the acidity of its phenol hydroxyl and that the synergistic effect with β-Car can substantially enhance its antioxidation activity in the model systems of lipid and meat via the CA-to-β-Car electron transfer reaction. The substitution of A and B rings on the catechol group in both CA and CARN limits browning caused by their formation of oxidative products as antioxidants.

As next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology has become widely used to identify genetic causal variants for various diseases and traits, a number of packages for checking NGS data quality have sprung up in public domains. In addition to the quality of sequencing data, sample quality issues, such as gender mismatch, abnormal inbreeding coefficient, cryptic relatedness, and population outliers, can also have fundamental impact on downstream analysis. However, there is a lack of tools specialized in identifying problematic samples from NGS data, often due to the limitation of sample size and variant counts. We developed SeqSQC, a Bioconductorpackage, to automate and accelerate sample cleaning in NGS data of any scale. SeqSQCis designed for efficient data storage and access, and equipped with interactive plots for intuitive data visualization to expedite the identification of problematic samples. SeqSQCis available at http://bioconductor.org/packages/SeqSQC.

Recently, the methodology of deep learning is used to improve the calculation accuracy of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model. In this paper, a neural network is designed to predict the Reynolds stress of a channel flow of different Reynolds numbers. The rationality and the high efficiency of the neural network is validated by comparing with the results of the direct numerical simulation (DNS), the large eddy simulation (LES), and the deep neural network (DNN) of other studies. To further enhance the prediction accuracy, three methods are developed by using several algorithms and simplified models in the neural network. In the method 1, the regularization is introduced and it is found that the oscillation and the overfitting of the results are effectively prevented. In the method 2, y+is embedded in the input variable while the combination of the invariants is simplified in the method 3. From the predicted results, it can be seen that by using the first two methods, the errors are reduced. Moreover, the method 3 shows considerable advantages in the DNS trend and the smoothness of a curve. Consequently, it is concluded that the DNNs can predict effectively the anisotropic Reynolds stress and is a promising technique of the computational fluid dynamics.

Background:

Two-photon fluorescence photosensitizers (TP-FPSs) with long fluorescence lifetime (τF) and high singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) have attracted ever-growing attention as novel theranostic materials. However, to date, TP-FPSs with long τFand high ΦΔhave been rarely reported. Toward achieving this goal, we report in this study a systematic investigation of excitation dynamics in a heteroatom-containing organic molecule (3-aminophthalic acid, abbreviated as 3-APA). Our study demonstrates that 3-APAhas an n-π* absorption band and two-photon absorption. Derived from n-π* transition feature, 3-APAexhibits not only a considerably long τF(11.5 ns) but also an efficient singlet-to-triplet intersystem crossing (19.2%), which leads to a high ΦΔ(18.4%). With these properties, we successfully used 3-APAas a novel TP-FPS for the proof-of-concept application in two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging and two-photon photodynamic therapy. Notably, this work gives a better understanding of the excitation process and mechanism involved in TP-FPSs, which should be a valuable guide for constructing novel high-performing TP-FPSs.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

IMPORTANCE: There are long-standing interests in the potential benefits of vitamin D for preventing breast cancer recurrence and mortality, yet data from prospective cohort studies are limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a serum biomarker of vitamin D status, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) measured at the time of breast cancer diagnosis, to determine the association with prognosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Pathways Study is a prospective cohort study of breast cancer survivors established in 2006. Enrollment was completed in 2013; follow-up is ongoing. The cohort was established in Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large integrated health care delivery system in northern California. Women with a diagnosis of incident invasive breast cancer were typically consented and enrolled within 2 months of diagnosis. The overall enrollment rate was 46% (4505 of 9820). Participants are followed for health outcomes and comorbidities at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 months after baseline interview. A case-cohort design was used for efficiency assay of 25OHD, selecting 1666 cohort members with serum samples and ensuring representation in the subcohort of races and clinical subtypes. The data analysis was performed from January 5, 2014, to March 15, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary outcomes are breast cancer recurrence, second primary cancer, and death. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 58.7 (12.4) years. Serum 25OHD concentrations were lower in women with advanced-stage tumors, and the lowest in premenopausal women with triple-negative cancer. Levels were also inversely associated with hazards of disease progression and death. Compared with the lowest tertile, women with the highest tertile of 25OHD levels had superior overall survival (OS). This association remained after adjustment for clinical prognostic factors (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.98). Among premenopausal women, the association with OS was stronger, and there were also associations with breast cancer–specific survival and invasive disease–free survival (OS: HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21-0.96; breast cancer–specific survival: HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.93; invasive disease–free survival: HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-1.01; all after full adjustment). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Serum 25OHD levels were independently associated with breast cancer prognostic characteristics and patient prognosis, most prominently among premenopausal women. Our findings from a large, well-characterized prospective cohort provide compelling observational evidence on associations of vitamin D with lower risk of breast cancer morbidity and mortality.

Loading system of pumping unit simulates the working condition of pumping unit. It can repeat all kind of the real force and motion on pumping unit and detect the quality of pumping unit. Through analyzing the indicator diagram of pumping unit, we design a elecro-hydraulic servo loading system of pumping unit which uses the method of displacement and force feedback control. Meeting the load requirement simulated it with AMESim software.

Using ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as model compounds of ammonia nitrogen metabolites of crassostrea rivularis (oyster), the corrosion process of steel alloys by ammonia nitrogen metabolites of oyster was carried out in simulated seawater. Using A3 steel for marine engineering steel as the sample, the experiments based on the corrosion coupon in natural sea, static coupon, scanning electron microscope and polarization curve were carried out. According to the corrosion morphology development of samples, the corrosion mechanism of attached corrosion of was revealed.

Different patterns (beads, membranes and powders) of cellulose regenerated from room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) were prepared to immobilized papain molecules. It is found that regenerated cellulose (RC) membranes was the best pattern for papain loading and immobilization. Removing the supernatant of the solution containing free enzyme as well as RC carriers before immobilization without the addition of ethanol as the precipitant were benefit for increasing the activity of the immobilized papain. Papain could be immobilized successfully on the surface of RC carriers through SEM analysis.

Numerical simulation of titanium alloy powder during hot isostatic pressing (HIP) with Shima model is studied in this paper. Material parameters in this model were determined based on uniaxial compression test with different relative density specimens. A titanium alloy ring sample was designed and formed by hot isostatic pressing. The sample was analyzed by using Shima model in the platform of MSC.Marc with the determined parameters of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The results of simulation with Shima model were in a good agreement with that result of experiment. Finally, the model is successfully applied to complex model of impeller to predict the deformation during HIP.

Films and beads of cellulose regenerated from room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([BmiCl) were prepared. In this work, regenerated cellulose (RC) films and beads were modified with NaIO4, and then papain was immobilized. The immobilized enzyme activities of RC carriers were determinated by BAEE (N-benzoyl-DL-arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride) method. According to the experiments, 5.0mg/mL of free papain was fixed to obtain the immobilized enzyme with high activity. Moreover, high content of cellulose regenerated from ILs (&lt;saturated content) was benefit to achieve high activity of enzyme after immobilization.

Nozzle spacing is an important factor influencing the effect of high-pressure water jet cleaning. When the nozzle incidence angle, the deflection angle and the target distance are determined, the size of the nozzle spacing determines the overlap of the water jet, the overlap is too large or too small will reduce the cleaning effect. In this paper ,using CFD software to simulate the flow field inside and outside of the high-pressure water jet nozzle, analysis the jet axial velocity, pressure distribution, and discussed this changes in the case of different spacing between the nozzles when the nozzle structure are same, and choose an reasonable spacing to ensure the cleaning effect.

In order to study affects of oxy fuel combustion on micro gas turbine ,three axial swirl burners with different installation angles for micro gas turbine were designed, flue gas recycle/oxy fuel was used to burn natural gas. Numerical simulation was used to study flow field and combustion conditions. The result shows that application of axial swirl burner promotes mixing process of natural gas and oxygen and recirculation brought about to promote the stability of fire, uniformity of outlet temperature was reduced. With the increase of swirl installation angle, backflow becomes more intense, and uniformity of outlet temperature becomes smaller, however, total pressure loss coefficient increased. These results will have a great significance in the design of better burners.

A beads based on cellulose and the room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was prepared. Regenerated cellulose beads were modified with silane, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Papain was immobilized on the beads used two different methods including glutaraldehyde and covalent cross-linking method. The immobilized enzyme activity of bead was determinated by BAEE (N-benzoyl- DL-arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride) determination. According to the enzyme activity and immobilization rate compared with covalent cross-linking method, glutaraldehyde cross-linking method is more suitable for amino-modified.

The global optimal 4-D trajectory (t, x, y, z) for a spacecraft controlled by low thrust and launched from the Earth to fly around the Sun is proposed in this paper. To optimize the 4-D trajectory of the spacecraft, a set of numerical algorithm, including a searching algorithm and a 4-D trajectory optimization algorithm is presented. The searching algorithm is used for finding as many as possible asteroids near the 4-D trajectory of the Earth chosen from all the 248997 asteroids in the whole Sun system. The performance index of optimal trajectory is to maximize the number of asteroids met with the spacecraft and the rendezvous times with them, and also maximize the final mass. The 4-D trajectory optimization algorithm is composed of improved dynamic programming algorithm, conjugate gradient algorithms based on optimal control theory and static parameter optimization algorithm. Based on a great deal of numerical flight simulation by using this combined algorithm, the 4-D optimal trajectory of the spacecraft is obtained, the spacecraft passes by 12 asteroids among the 248997 asteroids in the whole Sun system within one year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of the fuel types plays an important role in ensuring the safety and economics of the power plants. In order to obtain the flame signal in the process of combustion, a flame detection system is designed and a laboratorial platform is constructed. This paper extracts the signal parameters—the mean, the peak-peak value, the flicker frequency, and the flicker intensity —and takes them as the characteristic quantities of the flame signal. Based on the least squares support vector machines (LSSVM), an efficient method of identifying the flame types is developed. The result of the identification is more ideal, with the correct identification rate up to 100%. This shows that the method combined the four characteristic quantities with the LSSVM can obtain a good result in the identification of the fuel types.

In this paper, we take flame optical radiation signal in low-frequency on a gas combustion test-bed as research objects, multi-fractal spectrum can analyze the micro structures and characteristic of flame optical radiation time series is corroborated through computing. We research the trend of the sharps and key parameters of the multi-fractal spectrum under different scales. Result shows that as one of the most important parameters of multi-fractal spectrum, the width of the multi-fractal spectrum has the significant correlation with variance, which reflects the status of the combustion stability, and the accuracy of the combustion stability judgement is increased further through multi-scale and multi-fractal analysis. As a developmental assisted analysis method, the multi-scale and multi-fractal analysis method can effectively reveal the dynamic process of the flame radiation, which provides to the operation staff with multi-angle supplementary method in judging the combustion stability.

The identification of stability about flame combustion plays a vital role in the industrial production of plants. Paper integrates the phase information into identification system extracted by higher order spectral, and stresses on identifying the stability of flame combustion with the application of the Mahalanobis Distance, combined with the other two characteristic quantities: the flame intensity variance and flicker frequency. The Mahalanobis Distance can overcome the interference correlation of the flame characteristic quantities and the impact of different dimensions, so the identification rate reaches to 93%, which effectively verifies the correctness of the Mahalanobis Distance.

Dual-frequency aegon discharge at 100 m Torr is modeled with a 2-D fluid model in this study. The plate gap of the system is 20 mm, and discharges are modeled at High Frequency (HF) 40 MHz, 60 MHz, 80 MHz, Low Frequency (LF) 2 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, low-frequency voltage 50 V, 75 V, 100 V and high-frequency voltage 200 V, respectively. The spatial distribution of electron density and ion density and the periodic evolution of instantaneous electric potential in bulk plasma and sheath are discussed. The numerical results show that plasma density increases with HFs and LFs and LF voltage, while HFs has more effect on the density. It is concluded that improving the ratio of HFs/LFs and increasing LF voltages is a method to gain high density and high ion bombardment energy simultaneously based on the analysis of electric potential distribution.

For solving the modeling problem of porous structure design of bone scaffold, a modeling method of porous bone scaffold based on voxel model was proposed. Firstly, the surface of model triangular facets of bone scaffold was reconstructed by moving cube (MC) algorithm with the computer tomographic (CT) images. Secondly, a rapidly slicing algorithm based on surface model was proposed to obtain the cross-sectional profile of bone scaffold. Then, an isometric scanning line of cross-sectional profile was filled and dispersed to construct voxel model; subsequently, the pore unit was designed based on voxel, and the voxel model of porous bone scaffold was constructed by filling the pore units; finally, combined with additive manufacturing process, a method to generate processing path directly based on the voxel model was proposed. It can be concluded from the experiment that the porous bone scaffold could be constructed by the proposed algorithm. The parameters including pore size and porosity on the bone scaffold could be controlled through adjusting the voxel size and pore unit structures. The processing path was obtained directly from the voxel model, thus providing a feasible method for the design and manufacture of the porous bone scaffold.

Abstract Recent studies show that synaptic modification depends critically on the relative spike timing of pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Here we explore the functional implications of spike timing-dependent synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex using a model circuit with modifiable intracortical excitatory connections. First we simulated the experiments using two-point stimuli, in which two visual stimuli in a topographically represented feature space were repeatedly presented in quick succession, and found that tuning of the cortical neurons was modified in a manner similar to that observed experimentally. We then explored the dependence of results on the model parameter and identified the intracortical parameters that were critical for the magnitude of the shifts and obtained a simple relationship between the amount of shift and (S = (sEXTCrec_exc)/sINHCrec_inh). Finally we investigated the effects of moving stimuli in a topographically represented visual space and found that they can effectively induce spike timing-dependent modification of the intracortical connections. It suggests the importance of moving stimuli in dynamic modification of the cortical maps through spike timing-dependent synaptic plasticity.

Experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE) is considered by many to be a model for human multiple sclerosis. Intraperitoneal inoculation of mice with Chlamydia pneumoniae, after immunization with neural antigens, increased the severity of EAE. Accentuation of EAE required live infectious C. pneumoniae, and the severity of the disease was attenuated with antiinfective therapy. After immunization with neural antigens, systemic infection with C. pneumoniae led to the dissemination of the organism into the central nervous system (CNS) in mice with accentuated EAE. Inoculation with Chlamydia trachomatis did not worsen EAE and infectious organisms were not seen in the CNS. These observations suggest that dissemination of C. pneumoniae results in localized infection in CNS tissues in animals with EAE. We propose that infection of the CNS by C. pneumoniae can amplify the autoreactive pool of lymphocytes and regulate the expression of an autoimmune disease.

ABSTRACTThere is considerable controversy concerning the evidence for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniaein the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of both multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and patients with other neurological diseases (OND). In order to clarify this issue, the laboratories at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the University of South Florida (USF) examined the reproducibility of their respective PCR assays for the detection of C. pneumoniaeDNA in the CSF of a common group of MS patients and OND controls. The two laboratories used different DNA extraction and PCR techniques in order to determine the prevalence of the C. pneumoniaegenome in both monosymptomatic and clinically definite MS patients as well as in OND controls. In clinically definite MS patients, the VUMC and USF detection rates were 72 and 61%, respectively, and in patients with monosymptomatic MS, the VUMC and USF detection rates were 41 and 54%, respectively. The PCR signal was positive for 7% of the OND controls at VUMC and for 16% at USF. These studies confirm our previous reports concerning the high prevalence of C. pneumoniaein the CSF of MS patients. The presence of C. pneumoniaein patients with monosymptomatic MS would also suggest that infection with the organism occurs early in the course of the disease.

The ground state properties of light nuclei are investigated by the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock approach with three sets of new force parameters SKI2, SKI3 and SKI4 [P.G. Reinhard and H. Flocard, Nucl. Phys. A 584(1995) 467]. Calculations show that the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock theory with above force parameters provides a good description on the light isotopes except for some neutron-halo nuclei , and . Among the three sets of force parameters, SKI4, which has taken into consideration of the isospin dependence of the spin-orbit force, is the best one. Detailed comparison and analysis on the results are given.

Considerable evidence suggests the role of an infectious agent in MS. The presence of Chlamydophila pneumoniaein CSF from patients with MS was shown earlier; to further examine this association the reactivity of the oligoclonal antibody response in the CSF of patients with MS to C pneumoniaeantigens was determined and compared with other antigens.

Chlamydia pneumoniae has been demonstrated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon-β (IFN-β) has favorable effects on the clinical course of MS. We investigated whether the beneficial effects of IFN-β in MS may involve its role in regulating nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in macrophages, as these immune modulators form part of the innate immune response to intracellular pathogens, such as C. pneumoniae. Murine macrophages in cultures exposed to elementary body antigens or recombinant major outer membrane protein (rMOMP) of C. pneumoniae demonstrate a significant increase in NO as well as production of IL-12/p40 in culture supernatants compared with basal levels. Addition of murine IFN-β increased NO activity in murine macrophages cultured with chlamydial antigens. Addition of neutralizing anti-IFN-β antibody prevented the NO increase. In contrast to its effect on inducible NO synthase (iNOS), IFN-β reduced induction of IL-12/p40 following culture with either elementary body antigens or rMOMP. Inhibition was reversed with anti-IFN-β antibody. If C. pneumoniae infection is responsible for the inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of MS, the beneficial effects of IFN-β in MS may be due to its enhancing intracellular NO activity while inhibiting secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-12.

The present study investigated the topographical distribution of P2X1–P2X6receptor subtypes in the rat and common marmoset hindbrain by immunohistochemistry. In addition, double‐labeling immunofluorescence was used to determine the extent of colocalization between catecholamine cell groups and the various P2X receptors. The data demonstrate a widespread distribution pattern for all six P2X receptors throughout both the rat hindbrain and the marmoset hindbrain, although distinctions between species, brain nuclei, and P2X receptor subtypes exist. In rat, dense staining for the P2X receptors was found in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), medial vestibular nucleus, and medial and lateral parabrachial nuclei. Moderate staining was observed in the hypoglossal nucleus, cuneate nucleus, inferior olive, prepositus hypoglossi, rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and locus coeruleus. Staining was also observed in the gracile nucleus, the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, and the central pontine gray. In marmoset, prominent P2X receptor‐like immunoreactivity occurred in the NTS, medial cuneate nucleus, prepositus hypoglossi, and medial vestibular nucleus. Moderate staining was observed in the area postrema, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, lateral cuneate, lateral reticular, spinal trigeminal nucleus, RVLM, and inferior olive. Immunofluorescent double labeling of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐containing cells revealed that all subtypes of P2X receptors show some degree of colocalization with TH. The highest proportion of TH and P2X receptor double labeling was in the A5 region (with the P2X2subunit), whereas the lowest proportion of double‐labeled cells occurred in the C2 region of the NTS for the P2X5subunit. These findings support a role for extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate in fast synaptic neurotransmission within the brainstem. J. Comp. Neurol. 427:485–507, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Opiates produce a strong rewarding effect, but abstinence from opiate use emerges with severe negative emotions. Depression is one of the most frequent emotion disorders associated with opiate abstinence, which is thought to be a main cause for relapse. However, neurobiological bases of such an aversive emotion processing are poorly understood. Here, we find that morphine abstinence activates κ-opioid receptors (KORs) by increasing endogenous KOR ligand dynorphin expression in the amygdala, which in turn facilitates glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) expression by activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Upregulation of GLT1 expression contributes to opiate-abstinence-elicited depressive-like behaviors through modulating amygdalar glutamatergic inputs to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Intra-amygdala injection of GLT1 inhibitor DHK or knockdown of GLT1 expression in the amygdala significantly suppresses morphine-abstinence-induced depressive-like behaviors. Pharmacological and pharmacogenetic activation of amygdala-NAc projections prevents morphine-abstinence-induced behaviors. Overall, our study provides key molecular and circuit insights into the mechanisms of depression associated with opiate abstinence.

Our identification of Chlamydia pneumoniaein the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) led us to examine the incidence of this organism in the CSF from 17 patients with relapsing–remitting MS, 20 patients with progressive MS, and 27 patients with other neurological diseases (OND). CSF samples were examined for C pneumoniaeby culture, polymerase chain reaction assays, and CSF immunoglobulin (Ig) reactivity with C pneumoniaeelementary body antigens. C pneumoniaewas isolated from CSF in 64% of MS patients versus 11% of OND controls. Polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated the presence of C pneumoniaeMOMP gene in the CSF of 97% of MS patients versus 18% of OND controls. Finally, 86% of MS patients had increased CSF antibodies to C pneumoniaeelementary body antigens as shown by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay absorbance values that were 3 SD greater than those seen in OND controls. The specificity of this antibody response was confirmed by western blot assays of the CSF, using elementary body antigens. Moreover, CSF isoelectric focusing followed by western blot assays revealed cationic antibodies against C pneumoniae.Infection of the central nervous system with C pneumoniaeis a frequent occurrence in MS patients. Although the organism could represent the pathogenetic agent of MS, it may simply represent a secondary infection of damaged central nervous system tissue. A therapeutic trial directed at eliminating C pneumoniaefrom the central nervous system may provide additional information on its role in MS. Ann Neurol 1999;46:6–14

Our identification of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) led us to examine the incidence of this organism in the CSF from 17 patients with relapsing–remitting MS, 20 patients with progressive MS, and 27 patients with other neurological diseases (OND). CSF samples were examined for C pneumoniae by culture, polymerase chain reaction assays, and CSF immunoglobulin (Ig) reactivity with C pneumoniae elementary body antigens. C pneumoniae was isolated from CSF in 64% of MS patients versus 11% of OND controls. Polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated the presence of C pneumoniae MOMP gene in the CSF of 97% of MS patients versus 18% of OND controls. Finally, 86% of MS patients had increased CSF antibodies to C pneumoniae elementary body antigens as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay absorbance values that were 3 SD greater than those seen in OND controls. The specificity of this antibody response was confirmed by western blot assays of the CSF, using elementary body antigens. Moreover, CSF isoelectric focusing followed by western blot assays revealed cationic antibodies against C pneumoniae. Infection of the central nervous system with C pneumoniae is a frequent occurrence in MS patients. Although the organism could represent the pathogenetic agent of MS, it may simply represent a secondary infection of damaged central nervous system tissue. A therapeutic trial directed at eliminating C pneumoniae from the central nervous system may provide additional information on its role in MS. Ann Neurol 1999;46:6–14

The fractal dimensions of aggregates of latex particles coated by poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have been measured in worse-than-θ-solvents for different electrolyte concentrations and temperatures. For the lowest molecular weight PEG studied (2 × 104), the measured fractal dimension of 2.1 was almost independent of temperature over the range studied. The value corresponds to partially reversible cluster aggregation, which leads to relatively compact aggregates. For the highest molecular weight PEG studied (6 × 105), the fractal dimension decreased significantly (from 2.4 to 1.7) with temperature, signifying the generation of more ramified aggregates. The results obtained for this hydrophilic polymer contrast markedly with those previously published for the aggregation or latexes coated by the hydrophobic polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), which becomes hydrophobic as a result of a coil-to-globule transition.