Effects of mineral wool insulation on electric cables in buildings

Since the seventies, energy conservation in all its forms has grown. This mindset has lead to the addition of thermal insulation in existing buildings, without concern for the existing electric cables. The addition over-insulates the cables, inhibiting heat dissipation, and possibly creating a hazardous situation.Our laboratory performed, between 1981 and 1990, a series of technical tests to determine the effect of this additional thermal insulation on the electric cables.This paper is the result of a research program giving the risks of fires caused by cables submitted to over-insulation, as a function of the type of thermal insulation and the current.Nomenclature L cable life expectancy (years) - A constant which depends on the specific chemical reaction - B constant which depends on the specific chemical reaction - T temperature (°C or °K) - T _I initial conductor temperature (°C) - T _F final conductor temperature (°C) - t time (seconds) - I current (amperes) - W heat dissipation (Watt-seconds) - R resistance (ohms)     

Absence of Gut Microbiota Is Associated with RPE/Choroid Transcriptomic Changes Related to Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathobiology and Decreased Choroidal Neovascularization

Studies have begun to reveal significant connections between the gut microbiome and various retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As critical supporting tissues of the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and underlying choroid play a critical role in retinal homeostasis and degeneration. However, the relationship between the microbiome and RPE/choroid remains poorly understood, particularly in animal models of AMD. In order to better elucidate this role, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing of RPE/choroid tissue in germ-free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. Furthermore, utilizing a specialized laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model that we developed, we compared CNV size and inflammatory response between GF and SPF mice. After correction of raw data, 660 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including those involved in angiogenesis regulation, scavenger and cytokine receptor activity, and inflammatory response—all of which have been implicated in AMD pathogenesis. Among lasered mice, the GF group showed significantly decreased CNV lesion size and microglial infiltration around CNV compared to the SPF group. Together, these findings provide evidence for a potential gut–RPE/choroidal axis as well as a correlation with neovascular features of AMD.     

Processing induced residual stress in asymmetric laminate panels

In this research, a one-dimensional finite difference model has been developed to simulate the progression of material properties during the processing of metal-clad, multi-layered, fiber mat reinforced, thermoset resins. Using a micro-mechanical model, the simulation is also capable of predicting the dimensional movement observed during processing and the through-thickness residual stress distribution within thin laminates that will lead to the development of warpage or curling. The ability to predict the overall movement is quite complex; however, the contributing factors that lead to warpage of epoxy, glass-fiber mat laminate composites have been experimentally and numerically identified. It has been found that the dominant factor that leads to warpage in asymmetric multi-layered laminates is the differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion of the individual plies. Thus, by selecting appropriate combinations of the degree of cure and resin content of the thermoset in the individual plies, it is possible to reduce the material property variability of the laminate through thickness. The planar movement of individual plies is a function of the glass-fiber mat tension during pre-processing operations. Variability in pre-processing mat tension can be compensated for after lamination via post-baking processes.     

Fiber-Optic Transceiver Module for High-Speed Intrasatellite Networks

High-speed intrasatellite networks are needed to interconnect units such as synthetic aperture radars, high-resolution cameras, and fast image-compression processors that produce data beyond gigabits per second. We have developed a fiber-optic link, named SpaceFibre, which operates up to 3.125 Gb/s and is compatible with the existing SpaceWire network. The link provides symmetrical, bidirectional, full-duplex, and point-to-point communication. It employs 850-nm vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers, radiation-hardened laser-optimized 50/125 mum graded-index fibers, and GaAs p-i-n photo diodes. The transceiver electronics is realized using a multilayer-ceramic-substrate technology that enables the passive alignment of optical fibers to active devices. The SpaceFibre link demonstrator was tested to transfer data at 2.5 Gb/s over 100 m with a bit error rate of less than 1.3middot10^-14. Fiber-pigtailed modules were stressed with temperature variations from -40degC to +85degC, vibrations up to 30 g, and mechanical shocks up to 3900 g. The test results of 20 modules show that the SpaceFibre link is a promising candidate for the upcoming high-speed intrasatellite networks     

An in-vitro study of the effects of temperature on breast cancer cells: Experiments and models

This paper presents an implantable biomedical device for the localized killing of cancer cells through hyperthermia. Heating, accomplished via resistive heating, is modeled using numerical heat transfer techniques, which are tested under experimental conditions. The effect of temperature in the therapeutic domain of 37 to 45 °C as studied on breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 is also reported. The results show the predicted temperature variations are consistent with temperature measurements obtained from the experimental set-ups. The paper also examines the effects of isothermal heating on the cell morphology. Isothermal heating is shown to cause significant physical changes in the cell cytoskeleton. Finally, the paper explores the effects of hyperthermia on cell growth and cell death under isothermal and cyclic conditions. The underlying effects of heat shock protein expression are elucidated before discussing the implications of the results for cancer treatment via localized hyperthermia.     

Role of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in traumatic spinal cord white matter injury

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) participate in glutamate neural transmission, but their role in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been explored. Accordingly, we examined the role of group I mGluRs, which are linked to phospholipase C, in mediating SCI using an in vitro model. A dorsal column segment was isolated from the spinal cord of adult rats, maintained in vitro, and injured by compression for 15 sec with a clip having a 2 g closing force. Under control conditions after SCI, the compound action potential (CAP) amplitude was reduced to 69.1 +/- 5.4% of baseline. Blockade of group I mGluR receptors with MCPG, 4CPG, or AIDA resulted in improved recovery of CAP amplitude (82.2 +/- 2.0%, 86.2 +/- 3.9%, and 86.0 +/- 2.5% of baseline, respectively). The group I/II agonist trans-ACPD and selective group I agonist DHPG exacerbated the posttraumatic reduction of CAP amplitude. The phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 improved recovery of CAP amplitude after traumatic spinal cord axonal injury. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of mGluR1alpha-immunopositive astrocytes and the absence of mGluR5 in spinal cord white matter. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that activation of group I mGluR receptors after SCI exacerbates posttraumatic axonal injury through a phospholipase C dependent mechanism. The presence of mGluR1alpha labeling on astrocytes suggests a role for these cells in the pathophysiology of SCI. Additional studies in vivo, are required to further clarify the role of mGluRs in acute traumatic SCI.     

Low and maximally phosphorylated levels of the retinoblastoma protein confer poor prognosis in newly diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia: a prospective study

A prior retrospective study suggested that the level of retinoblastoma protein (RB) expression was prognostic for survival in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Individuals with no/low RB protein expression were considered to have loss of RB function, and those with maximally phosphorylated (maxphos) RB were also felt to have nonfunctional RB. To confirm this, we prospectively investigated whether the level of RB expression was prognostic in AML in a larger cohort of patients. RB level was measured by Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis on peripheral blood samples from 210 newly diagnosed AML patients. Patients were divided into three groups based on the level of RB protein expression (i.e., no or low, elevated, and maxphos) or into two groups on the basis of presumed RB function, altered function (AF-RB, low and maxphos RB), versus normal function (NF-RB, elevated RB). By combined results of Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis, 20%, 65%, and 15% of patients had low, elevated, and maxphos RB, respectively. Most patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with a French-American-British classification of M3 were in the low RB group, likely reflecting a lower proliferative rate of promyelocytes. Analysis was performed with and without these APL patients. The median survival was significantly shorter for both patients with low RB expression (48 weeks, P = 0.05, including APL patients; 34 weeks, corrected P = 0.008, with APL patients excluded) and maxphos RB expression (51 weeks, P = 0.007) compared to those with elevated RB expression (122 weeks including and 98 weeks excluding APL patients). Differences were greatest among patients with nonfavorable prognosis cytogenetics (median survival, 34 weeks versus 85 weeks; corrected P = 0.001 for AF-RB versus NF-RB). Remission duration was also significantly shorter for non-APL patients with AF-RB versus NF-RB (median survival, 36 weeks versus not reached; corrected P = 0.02). In multivariate analyses, including cytogenetics, performance status, age, antecedent hematological disorder, and RB status, with and without APL patients included, no/low and maxphos-RB protein expression were independent predictors for poorer survival. This prospective study confirms that the level of expression of RB is a strong prognostic factor in AML, with an inferior survival experience being associated with no/low RB and maxphos RB expression. Therefore, therapeutic decisions based on the level of RB expression may be indicated, and protocols to incorporate this are currently under development.     

Phase II trial of docetaxel: a new, highly effective antineoplastic agent in the management of patients with anthracycline-resistant metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy (objective response rate and duration of response and survival) and toxicity of docetaxel in patients with strictly defined anthracycline-resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with bidimensionally measurable MBC who had progressive disease while receiving anthracycline-containing chemotherapy were registered onto the phase II trial. Docetaxel was administered at a dose of 100 mg/m2 over 1 hour every 21 days. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were assessable for disease response; 18 (53%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 35% to 70%) achieved a partial response. The median times to disease progression and survival duration were 7.5 and 13.5 months, respectively, for responding patients. The median overall survival duration was 9 months. Two hundred eight cycles (median, five) of docetaxel were administered. Neutropenia with less than 500 cells/microL developed in 31 of 35 patients; it was complicated by fever in 30 (14%) of 208 cycles and in 18 (51%) of 35 patients, including one treatment-related death. Fluid retention was seen in 15 (43%) of 35 patients, including pleural effusions in 11 patients (31%). Moderate skin toxicity, asthenia, and myalgia were observed in 16%, 58%, and 37% of cycles, respectively. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel has the highest reported antitumor activity in anthracycline-resistant MBC. High objective response rates were seen in patients with visceral-dominant involvement, multiple metastatic sites, or extensive previous therapy. Docetaxel is associated with severe but reversible neutropenia, asthenia, and cumulative dose-related fluid retention. Dexamethasone decreased the frequency and severity of skin toxicity and appeared to ameliorate fluid retention.     

Multiwavelength sources using laser diodes frequency-locked toatomic resonances

It is shown that low-cost compact disk AlGaAs laser diodes make it possible to realize manifold optical sources with precise and stable wavelengths when locked to rubidium vapor resonances. Many optical frequency references can be obtained with the use of absorption cells containing a foreign gas or by placing cells in static magnetic fields. The same approach can be used with other wavelengths required by optical fiber communications     

Cell morphology classification and clutter mitigation in phase-contrast microscopy images using machine learning

We propose using machine learning techniques to analyze the shape of living cells in phase-contrast microscopy images. Large scale studies of cell shape are needed to understand the response of cells to their environment. Manual analysis of thousands of microscopy images, however, is time-consuming and error-prone and necessitates automated tools. We show how a combination of shape-based and appearance-based features of fibroblast cells can be used to classify their morphological state, using the Adaboost algorithm. The classification accuracy of our method approaches the agreement between two expert observers. We also address the important issue of clutter mitigation by developing a machine learning approach to distinguish between clutter and cells in time-lapse microscopy image sequences.