Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fighting stochastic variability in a D-type flip-flop with transistor-level reconfiguration

In this study, the authors present a design optimisation case study of D-type flip-flop timing characteristics that are degraded as a result of intrinsic stochastic variability in a 25 nm technology process. What makes this work unique is that the design is mapped onto a multi-reconfigurable architecture, which is, like a field programmable gate array (FPGA), configurable at the gate level but can then be optimised using transistor level configuration options that are additionally built into the architecture. While a hardware VLSI prototype of this architecture is currently being fabricated, the results presented here are obtained from a virtual prototype implemented in SPICE using statistically enhanced 25 nm high performance metal gate MOSFET compact models from gold standard simulations for pre-fabrication verification. A D-type flip-flop is chosen as a benchmark in this study, and it is shown that timing characteristics that are degraded because of stochastic variability can be recovered and improved. This study highlights significant potential of the programmable analogue and digital array architecture to represent a next-generation FPGA architecture that can recover yield using post-fabrication transistor-level optimisation in addition to adjusting the operating point of mapped designs.
Nonthermal Limit of Monoenergetic Precipitation in the Auroral Acceleration Region

We report statistics from FAST satellite observations revealing the prevalence of nonthermal monoenergetic electron distributions within and below the auroral acceleration region (AAR), and over 21–24 magnetic local time. The energy spectra of intra‐AAR auroral primaries reveal a probability distribution of κ (“kappa”) values that is “piled up” against a lower bound, κ≳κt≃ 2.45. The measurements are recorded in the lower reaches of the AAR, as determined from simultaneous upward ion beams, and are therefore unaffected by processes at lower altitudes that may alter auroral primary distributions. We show evidence that the κ values below the AAR tend to be greater than those within the AAR, which suggests that auroral primaries evolve toward thermal equilibrium as they move toward the ionosphere. Only for ∼4% of the reported events corresponding to κ≤κt does a kappa current density‐voltage relationship differ appreciably from the classical Maxwellian current density‐voltage relationship.
Bmc Medical Genetics Genome Wide Association for Substance Dependence: Convergent Results from Epidemiologic and Research Volunteer Samples

Background: Dependences on addictive substances are substantially-heritable complex disorders whose molecular genetic bases have been partially elucidated by studies that have largely focused on research volunteers, including those recruited in Baltimore. Maryland. Subjects recruited from the Baltimore site of the Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) study provide a potentially-useful comparison group for possible confounding features that might arise from selecting research volunteer samples of substance dependent and control individuals. We now report novel SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genome wide association (GWA) results for vulnerability to substance dependence in ECA participants, who were initially ascertained as members of a probability sample from Baltimore, and compare the results to those from ethnically-matched Baltimore research volunteers.
Comparison of two series of non‐invasive instruments used for the skin physiological properties measurements: the DermaLab® from Cortex Technology vs. the series of detectors from Courage & Khazaka

The detectors from Courage & Khazaka and DermaLab® from Cortex Technology were two series of the most commonly used non‐invasive instruments for the skin physiological properties measurements. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring skin color, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum and elasticity on the forearm or faces between two commercially available series of instruments.
Economic and Cultural Correlates of Road-Traffic Accident Fatality Rates in OECD Countries

The relationships between economic conditions, cultural characteristics, personality dimensions, intelligence scores, and road-traffic accident mortality rates were investigated in 30 member and five accession countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Economic indicators included the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, the unemployment rate, and the Gini index. Cultural variables included five Hofstede's cultural dimensions, seven Schwartz cultural value dimensions, NEO-PI-R scales, and the intelligence quotient (IQ). The results showed positive associations between favorable economic conditions (high income per capita, high employment rate, and low income inequality) and high traffic safety. Countries with higher road-traffic accident fatality rates were characterized by higher power distance and uncertainty avoidance as well as embeddedness and emphasis on social hierarchy. Countries with lower road-traffic accident fatality rates were more individualistic, egalitarian, and emphasized autonomy of individuals. Conscientiousness (from NEO-PI-R) and IQ correlated negatively with road-traffic accident fatalities.
Causes of delay in door-to-balloon time in south-east Asian patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective To evaluate causes and impact of delay in the door-to-balloon (D2B) time for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Subjects and methods From January 2009 to December 2012, 1268 patients (86% male, mean age of 58 ± 12 years) presented to our hospital for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and underwent PPCI. They were divided into two groups: Non-delay defined as D2B time ≤ 90 mins and delay group defined as D2B time > 90 mins. Data were collected retrospectively on baseline clinical characteristics, mode of presentation, angiographic findings, therapeutic modality and inhospital outcome. Results 202 patients had delay in D2B time. There were more female patients in the delay group. They were older and tend to self-present to hospital. They were less likely to be smokers and have a higher prevalence of prior MI. The incidence of posterior MI was higher in the delay group. They also had a higher incidence of triple vessel disease. The 3 most common reasons for D2B delay was delay in the emergency department (39%), atypical clinical presentation (37.6%) and unstable medical condition requiring stabilisation/computed tomographic imaging (26.7%). The inhospital mortality was numerically higher in the delay group (7.4% versus 4.8%, p = 0.12). Conclusions Delay in D2B occurred in 16% of our patients undergoing PPCI. Several key factors for delay were identified and warrant further intervention.
New High‐Pressure Forms of Al2SiO5

Phase relations of Al2SiO5 have been studied by multianvil experiments at pressures of 13–23 GPa and temperatures of 2000–2900 K. Al2SiO5 kyanite was found to transform into two new high‐pressure forms of Al2SiO5 (kyanite II and III) at temperatures exceeding 2300–2500 K and pressures of 14–23 GPa: The first phase transition occurs near 14 GPa, and the second occurs near 17 GPa. The new Al2SiO5 phases have triclinic and monoclinic crystal symmetries with zero‐pressure densities of 3.876(2) and 3.982(1) g/cm3, respectively, which are significantly denser than kyanite (ρ0 = 3.666 g/cm3) but less dense than the isochemical mixture of Al2O3 corundum and SiO2 stishovite (ρ0 = 4.036 g/cm3). The exceptionally high stability temperatures of the new Al2SiO5 phases suggest that they are unlikely to form in the present mantle but may be found in some impact craters and shocked meteorites and act as important indicators of pressure and temperature for the shock events.
Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology Wound Healing Properties of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Moringa Oleifera in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

INTRODUCTION Skin plays a crucial role in the sustenance of life by acting as a barrier to external noxious agents. When this barrier is disrupted, skin may not be able to adequately perform its crucial function; therefore, it is vital to restore its integrity forthwith. A normal wound healing necessitates a series of dynamic and overlapping process. A traumatized skin, expose underlying tissue to outside environment, provide an open access to infection and often results in the development of unpleasant exudates and toxins, which is associated with concomitant killing of regenerating cells [1,2]. Thus, interplay between cellular and extracellular components is required to restore tissue integrity. Modulation of diverse growth factors in tissue repair influence the cellular proliferation, migration and other cellular metabolic activity of the skin. The culmination of these biological processes results in the replacement of normal skin structures [3]. Though the healing process takes place naturally, wounds may enter a state of pathologic inflammation due to a postponed, incomplete, or uncoordinated healing process that exhibits impaired or delayed acute wounds and chronic wounds. Besides health status, age factors, body built, nutritional status, and physiological stress are speculated to be the result of impaired wound healing [4-6]. Wound healing is categorized into four classic stages and that are hemostasis, inflammation, fibroplasia, and maturation [7]. Hemostasis takes place immediately after injury and its ABSTRACT Background/Aim: Wounds are the outcome of injuries to the skin that interrupt the soft tissue. Healing of a wound is a complex and long-drawn-out process of tissue repair and remodeling in response to injury. A large number of plants are used by folklore traditions for the treatment of cuts, wounds and burns. Moringa oleifera (MO) is an herb used as a traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various skin wounds and associated diseases. The underlying mechanisms of wound healing activity of ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves extract are completely unknown. Materials and Methods: In the current study, ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves was investigated for its efficacy on cell viability, proliferation and migration (wound closure rate) in human normal dermal fibroblast cells. Results: Results revealed that lower concentration (12.5 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, and 50 µg/ml) of ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves showed remarkable proliferative and migratory effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts. Conclusion: This study suggested that ethyl acetate fraction of MO leaves might be a potential therapeutic agent for skin …
Discovery of a new Wolf-Rayet star and its ring nebula in Cygnus

We report the serendipitous discovery of a ring nebula around a candidate Wolf–Rayet (WR) star, HBHA 4202-22, in Cygnus using the Spitzer Space Telescope archival data. Our spectroscopic follow-up observations confirmed the WR nature of this star (we named it WR 138a) and showed that it belongs to the WN8-9h subtype. We thereby add a new example to the known sample of late WN stars with circumstellar nebulae. We analysed the spectrum of WR 138a by using the Potsdam Wolf–Rayet (PoWR) model atmospheres, obtaining a stellar temperature of 40 kK. The stellar wind composition is dominated by helium with 20 per cent of hydrogen. The stellar spectrum is highly reddened and absorbed (EB−V = 2.4 mag, AV = 7.4 mag). Adopting a stellar luminosity of log L/L� = 5.3, the star has a mass
Brief Screening Tests for Dementia

Objective: To compare brief dementia screening tests as candidates for routine use in primary care practice. Method: We selected screening tests that met 2 criteria: 1) administration time of 10 minutes or less in studies including individuals with, and without, dementia; and 2) performance characteristics evaluated in at least 1 community or clinical sample of older adults. We compared tests for face validity, sensitivity, and specificity in a clearly defined subject sample; for vulnerability to sociodemographic biases unrelated to dementia; for direct comparison with an accepted standard; for acceptability to patients and doctors; and for brevity and ease of administration, scoring, and interpretation by nonspecialists. Results: Thirteen instruments met our inclusion criteria. Very short tests (1 minute or less) proved unacceptable by several criteria. Standard instruments requiring more than 5 minutes to complete, including the best-studied Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), were found to be too long for routine application. Several failed other performance tests or could not be adequately assessed. Short tests taking between 2 and 5 minutes that can be administered by nonspecialists with little or no training and are relatively unbiased by language and education level appear to be superior to both shorter and longer instruments. Conclusions: Three tests showed the most promise for broad application in primary care settings: the Mini-Cog, the Memory Impairment Screen, and the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG). Formal practice intervention trials are now needed to validate the utility of short screens with regard to implementation, effect on rates of diagnosis and treatment of dementia patients, and outcomes for patients, families, and health care systems.
Visualization of the binding, endocytosis, and transcytosis of low- density lipoprotein in the arterial endothelium in situ

We investigated the interaction and transport of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) through the arterial endothelium in rat aorta and coronary artery, by perfusing in situ native, untagged human, and rat LDL. The latter was rendered electron-opaque after it interacted with the endothelial cell and was subsequently fixed within tissue. We achieved LDL electron-opacity by an improved fixation procedure using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine, and mordanting with tannic acid. The unequivocal identification of LDL was implemented by reacting immunocytochemically the perfused LDL with anti LDL-horseradish peroxidase conjugate. Results indicate that LDL is taken up and internalized through two parallel compartmented routes. (a) A relatively small amount of LDL is taken up by endocytosis via: (i) a receptor-mediated process (adsorptive endocytosis) that involved coated pits/vesicles, and endosomes, and, probably, (ii) a receptor-independent process (fluid endocytosis) carried out by a fraction of plasmalemmal vesicles. Both mechanisms bringing LDL to lysosomes supply cholesterol to the endothelial cell itself. (b) Most circulating LDL is transported across the endothelial cell by transcytosis via plasmalemmal vesicles which deliver LDL to the other cells of the vessel wall. Endocytosis is not enhanced by increasing LDL concentration, but the receptor-mediated internalization decreases at low temperature. Transcytosis is less modified by low temperature but is remarkably augmented at high concentration of LDL. While the endocytosis of homologous (rat) LDL is markedly more pronounced than that of heterologous (human) LDL, both types of LDL are similarly transported by transcytosis. These results indicate that the arterial endothelium possesses a dual mechanism for handling circulating LDL: by a high affinity process, endocytosis secures the endothelial cells' need for cholesterol; by a low-affinity nonsaturable uptake process, transcytosis supplies cholesterol to the other cells of the vascular wall, and can monitor an excessive accumulation of plasma LDL. Since in most of our experiments we used LDL concentrations above those found in normal rats, we presume that at low LDL concentrations saturable high-affinity uptake would be enhanced in relation to nonsaturable pathways.
Survival outcomes in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who were treated with chemoresistance assay-guided chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma after extreme drug resistance assay-directed therapy. STUDY DESIGN Fifty women who were treated with chemotherapy based on extreme drug resistance assay guidance were compared with 50 well-balanced control subjects who were treated empirically. RESULTS In the platinum-sensitive group, patients with extreme drug resistance-directed therapy had an overall response rate of 65% compared with 35% in the patients who were treated empirically (P=.02). The overall and progression-free median survival were 38 and 15 months in the extreme drug resistance assay group compared with 21 and 7 months in the control group, respectively (P=.005, overall; P=.0002, progression free). In the platinum-resistant group, there was no improved outcome in the patients who underwent assay-guided therapy. In multivariate analysis, platinum-sensitive disease, extreme drug resistance-guided therapy and early stage of disease were independent predictors for improved survival. CONCLUSION In this retrospective analysis, our results indicate an improved outcome in patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma who have platinum sensitive disease and who underwent extreme drug resistance-directed chemotherapy. Randomized, prospective, controlled trials are needed.
Analysis of the Mechanism by Which the Small-Molecule CCR5 Antagonists SCH-351125 and SCH-350581 Inhibit Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Entry

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry is mediated by the consecutive interaction of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 with CD4 and a coreceptor such as CCR5 or CXCR4. The CCR5 coreceptor is used by the most commonly transmitted HIV-1 strains that often persist throughout the course of infection. Compounds targeting CCR5-mediated entry are a novel class of drugs being developed to treat HIV-1 infection. In this study, we have identified the mechanism of action of two inhibitors of CCR5 function, SCH-350581 (AD101) and SCH-351125 (SCH-C). AD101 is more potent than SCH-C at inhibiting HIV-1 replication in primary lymphocytes, as well as viral entry and gp120 binding to cell lines. Both molecules also block the binding of several anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibodies that recognize epitopes in the second extracellular loop of CCR5. Alanine mutagenesis of the transmembrane domain of CCR5 suggests that AD101 and SCH-C bind to overlapping but nonidentical sites within a putative ligand-binding cavity formed by transmembrane helices 1, 2, 3, and 7. We propose that the binding of small molecules to the transmembrane domain of CCR5 may disrupt the conformation of its extracellular domain, thereby inhibiting ligand binding to CCR5.
Robust Joint Source-Channel Coding for Delay-Limited Applications

In this paper, we consider the problem of robust joint source-channel coding over an additive white Gaussian noise channel. We propose a new scheme which achieves the optimal slope for the signal-to-distortion (SDR) curve (unlike the previous known coding schemes). We also drive some theoretical bounds on the asymptotic performance of delay-limited hybrid digital-analog (HDA) coding schemes. We show that, unlike the delay-unlimited case, for any family of HDA codes, the asymptotic performance loss is unbounded (in terms of dB).
PhosPhAt: a database of phosphorylation sites in Arabidopsis thaliana and a plant-specific phosphorylation site predictor

The PhosPhAt database provides a resource consolidating our current knowledge of mass spectrometry-based identified phosphorylation sites in Arabidopsis and combines it with phosphorylation site prediction specifically trained on experimentally identified Arabidopsis phosphorylation motifs. The database currently contains 1187 unique tryptic peptide sequences encompassing 1053 Arabidopsis proteins. Among the characterized phosphorylation sites, there are over 1000 with unambiguous site assignments, and nearly 500 for which the precise phosphorylation site could not be determined. The database is searchable by protein accession number, physical peptide characteristics, as well as by experimental conditions (tissue sampled, phosphopeptide enrichment method). For each protein, a phosphorylation site overview is presented in tabular form with detailed information on each identified phosphopeptide. We have utilized a set of 802 experimentally validated serine phosphorylation sites to develop a method for prediction of serine phosphorylation (pSer) in Arabidopsis. An analysis of the current annotated Arabidopsis proteome yielded in 27 782 predicted phosphoserine sites distributed across 17 035 proteins. These prediction results are summarized graphically in the database together with the experimental phosphorylation sites in a whole sequence context. The Arabidopsis Protein Phosphorylation Site Database (PhosPhAt) provides a valuable resource to the plant science community and can be accessed through the following link http://phosphat.mpimp-golm.mpg. de
Matchmaking in pain practice : challenges and possibilities

We know little about why some people get better after psychological treatments for pain disability, whereas other people do not. In order to understand differences in treatment response, we need to explore processes of change during treatment. It has been suggested that people with pain complaints who change early in treatment have better outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether changes in psychological variables at different time points are related to outcome, and whether early or late changes are better predictors of outcome. We used the fear avoidance model as a theoretical framework. We followed 64 patients weekly over 6–7 weeks and then determined outcome. Our findings indicate that people who decrease in catastrophizing and function early in treatment as well as in depressive symptoms, worry, fear avoidance beliefs and function late in treatment have better outcomes. Early decreases in function, and late decreases in depressive symptoms and worry uniquely predict improvements in disability. While early and late changes covaried concurrently, there were no significant sequential relationships between early and late changes. Changes in the proposed process variables in the fear avoidance model, early as well as late in treatment, thus add valuable information to the explanation of outcome.
Comparison of Ramosetron with Palonosetron for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Receiving Opioid-Based Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Gynecological Laparoscopy

We aimed to compare the effects of ramosetron and palonosetron in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients that received opioid-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after gynecological laparoscopy. We reviewed the electronic medical records of 755 adults. Patients were classified into two groups, ramosetron (group R, n = 589) versus palonosetron (group P, n = 166). Based on their confounding factors, 152 subjects in each group were selected after the implementation of propensity score matching. The overall incidence of PONV at postoperative day (POD) 0 was lower in group R compared to group P (26.9% versus 36.8%; P = 0.043). The severity of nausea was lower in group R than in group P on postoperative day (POD) 0 (P = 0.012). Also, the complete responder proportion of patients was significantly higher in group R compared to that in group P on POD 0 (P = 0.043). In conclusion, ramosetron showed a greater efficacy in the prevention of postoperative nausea at POD 0 compared to palonosetron in patients after gynecological laparoscopy.