On the traffic modeling of burst aggregation algorithms using video and data traces

We obtain analytically the delay per packet in a burst for the three burst aggregation algorithms: Time based, Burst Length based and mixed Time and Burst Length based, assuming real video and aggregated Internet traces, as well as the IPP arrivals. For video traces we also obtain the probability that a playback machine will pause due to lack of frames when streaming video. Accuracy of the analytic results was established by comparing them to simulation data.     

Hemispheric asymmetry in Down's Syndrome children.

Examined auditory processing of linguistic stimulation presented dichotically to groups of 30 Down's Syndrome (DS) children, 20 non-DS retarded children who were MA and CA matched, and 20 MA matched nonretarded children, all of whom were right-handed. Ss completed a knowledge-of-numbers test and the Slosson Intelligence Test. They then listened to 20 trials of a dichotic message at approximately 70–75 db and repeated digits they heard. DS Ss showed a significant left ear advantage in processing the auditory linguistic material, while the other Ss showed the normal right ear advantage. Findings corroborate that having DS has a specific effect on the functional organization of the CNS auditory system. The right hemisphere may not be as efficient as the left hemisphere at language processing. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Simultaneous Quantification of Oil and Protein in Cottonseed by Low-Field Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Modification of cottonseed quality traits is likely to be achieved through a combination of genetic modification, manipulation of nutrient allocation, and selective breeding. Oil and protein stores account for the majority of mass of cottonseed embryos. A more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between lint quality, lint yield, and embryo reserve accumulation will assist breeders in their efforts to improve seed value. Here we report the development of a rapid, nondestructive, simultaneous method for quantifying oil and protein levels within cottonseed by low-field ¹H time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR). This approach is suitable for a minimal amount of seed and represents an accurate (oil R ² = 0.998, protein R ² = 0.95), noninvasive alternative to conventional, time-consuming chemical extractions. We demonstrate the value of this approach by surveying seed reserve content, identifying extremes of either protein and/or oil, in two sets of diverse germplasm.     

Type 1 Diabetes Impairs Cardiomyocyte Contractility in the Left and Right Ventricular Free Walls but Preserves It in the Interventricular Septum

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) leads to ischemic heart disease and diabetic cardiomyopathy. We tested the hypothesis that T1D differently affects the contractile function of the left and right ventricular free walls (LV, RV) and the interventricular septum (IS) using a rat model of alloxan-induced T1D. Single-myocyte mechanics and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration transients were studied on cardiomyocytes (CM) from LV, RV, and IS in the absence and presence of mechanical load. In addition, we analyzed the phosphorylation level of sarcomeric proteins and the characteristics of the actin-myosin interaction. T1D similarly affected the characteristics of actin-myosin interaction in all studied regions, decreasing the sliding velocity of native thin filaments over myosin in an in vitro motility assay and its Ca²⁺ sensitivity. A decrease in the thin-filament velocity was associated with increased expression of β-myosin heavy-chain isoform. However, changes in the mechanical function of single ventricular CM induced by T1D were different. T1D depressed the contractility of CM from LV and RV; it decreased the auxotonic tension amplitude and the slope of the active tension–length relationship. Nevertheless, the contractile function of CM from IS was principally preserved.     

Einflu? der Nebensalze des Kochsalzes auf die Butter

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Effect of artificial ageing using different wood chips on the antioxidant activity,resveratrol and catechin concentration,sensory properties and colour of two Greek red wines

Two Greek red wines (Syrah and Cabernet) were artificially aged with different wood chips (white oak, red oak, Turkey oak, chestnut, Bosnian pine, cherry, common juniper, common walnut, white mulberry, black locust and apricot). The influence of each wood species was tested for up to 20 days. The optimum duration for the extraction of total polyphenols was 20 days (Syrah) or 10 days (Cabernet) when chips of white oak, chestnut, cherry, white mulberry, black locust and apricot where used. Resveratrol and catechin concentrations ranged within the limits previously reported in literature. A high antioxidant activity was established after 10 days of artificial ageing. The sensory evaluation showed that the best results were produced by the apricot chips after 5 days (Syrah) or black locust and apricot after 5 days (Cabernet). Colour was seen to increase with both time of ageing and number of wood chips added.     

ONC201-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction,Senescence-like Phenotype,and Sensitization of Cultured BT474 Human Breast Cancer Cells to TRAIL

ONC201, the anticancer drug, targets and activates mitochondrial ATP-dependent caseinolytic peptidase P (ClpP), a serine protease located in the mitochondrial matrix. Given the promise of ONC201 in cancer treatment, we evaluated its effects on the breast ductal carcinoma cell line (BT474). We showed that the transient single-dose treatment of BT474 cells by 10 µM ONC201 for a period of less than 48 h induced a reversible growth arrest and a transient activation of an integrated stress response indicated by an increased expression of CHOP, ATF4, and GDF-15, and a reduced number of mtDNA nucleoids. A prolonged exposure to the drug (>48 h), however, initiated an irreversible loss of mtDNA, persistent activation of integrated stress response proteins, as well as cell cycle arrest, inhibition of proliferation, and suppression of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Since Natural Killer (NK) cells are quickly gaining momentum in cellular anti-cancer therapies, we evaluated the effect of ONC201 on the activity of the peripheral blood derived NK cells. We showed that following the ONC 201 exposure BT474 cells demonstrated enhanced sensitivity toward human NK cells that mediated killing. Together our data revealed that the effects of a single dose of ONC201 are dependent on the duration of exposure, specifically, while short-term exposure led to reversible changes; long-term exposure resulted in irreversible transformation of cells associated with the senescent phenotype. Our data further demonstrated that when used in combination with NK cells, ONC201 created a synergistic anti-cancer effect, thus suggesting its possible benefit in NK-cell based cellular immunotherapies for cancer treatment.     

Bupivacaine‐loaded chitosan hydrogels for topical anesthesia in dentistry

The paper describes the preparation of polymeric hydrogels, loaded with bupivacaine, which could represent a good alternative in clinical dentistry as local anesthetics. The hydrogels were prepared by condensation using an amidation reaction between a natural polymer (chitosan) and a synthetic one, poly[(maleic anhydride)‐alt‐(vinyl acetate)]. Infrared spectroscopy studies confirmed crosslinking through the presence of amide bonds, formed between the two types of polymer chains. Scanning electron microscopy results demonstrated that the hydrogels have a porous structure, the pore dimensions being non‐uniform with diameters between 200 and 600 μm. Hydrogels presented good bupivacaine inclusion and release capacity whereas theoretical analysis confirmed the validity of the generalized fractal model, reinforcing a csavi‐universal pattern of drug release. Cytotoxicity tests on human dermal fibroblasts revealed that the obtained hydrogels are not cytotoxic. In vivo, the bupivacaine‐loaded hydrogels presented anesthetic effects after 15 min and no side effects were observed. This system has the advantage of alleviating or eliminating pain associated with invasive procedures and avoiding direct contact of the drug with tissues, leading thus to the prevention of side effects. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

Academic value of research participation by undergraduates.

A survey of undergraduate students who participated in psychological research experiments suggested that when research posed risks for Ss, they were significantly more positive about their experiences than Ss who participated in risk-free studies, presumably because debriefings were taken more seriously in the former case. The need is emphasized for investigators to design their debriefings more carefully than they presently do. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)