Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive bias temperature instability induced positive charge generation in P+ Poly/SiON pMOSFET's

We have investigated positive bias temperature instability characteristics in P+ Poly/SiON pMOSFET's. Similar to NBTI, PBTI also shows positive charge generation. From the LV-SILC characteristics, we observed Dit generation at both the Poly/SiON and Si/SiON interfaces after PBTI stress, with Dit generation at the Poly/SiON interface influencing trap creation at the Si/SiON interface.
Epidemiology of Injury Due to Race-Day Jockey Falls in Professional Flat and Jump Horse Racing in Ireland, 2011-2015.

CONTEXT Professional horse racing is considered a high-risk sport, yet the last analysis of fall and injury incidence in this sport in Ireland was completed between 1999 and 2006. OBJECTIVE To provide an updated analysis of the fall and injury incidence in professional flat and jump horse racing in Ireland from 2011 through 2015, compare it with the previous analysis, and detail the specific types and locations of injuries. DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology study. SETTING A medical doctor recorded all injuries that occurred at every official flat and jump race meeting for the 2011 through 2015 seasons using standardized injury-report forms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Injury and fall rates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported for flat and jump racing. Incidence rate ratios and 95% CIs were calculated between flat and jump racing, between the 1999-2006 analysis and the current results, and between 2011 and 2015. The distribution of injuries for type and location of injury was reported. RESULTS Compared with flat racing, jump racing had significantly more falls per 1000 rides (49.5 versus 3.8), injuries per 1000 rides (10.1 versus 1.4), and injuries per 1000 meetings (776.0 versus 94.1). However, the rate of injuries per 1000 falls was significantly higher in flat racing (352.8 versus 203.8). An increase in injuries per 1000 falls between 2011 and 2015 was found in flat racing ( P = .005). Since the previous analysis, a significant increase in injuries per 1000 rides and falls was noted in jump racing. Soft tissue injuries were predominant in flat and jump racing (61.54% and 68.80%, respectively), with fractures the second most common injury (15.38% and 18.06%, respectively). Concussions were more prevalent from flat-racing falls (incidence rate ratio = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.61). The lower limb was the most frequent location of injury (32.89%) in flat racing; however, in jump racing, upper limb injuries (34.97%) were predominant. CONCLUSIONS An update on professional flat- and jump-racing fall and injury epidemiology is provided. Further research to identify risk factors for injury, design and investigate the feasibility of injury-prevention strategies, and document their effects on fall and injury incidence is required.
Anabolic steroid associated to physical training induces deleterious cardiac effects.

PURPOSE Cardiac aldosterone might be involved in the deleterious effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND) on the heart. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of cardiac aldosterone, by the pharmacological block of AT1 or mineralocorticoid receptors, on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomized into eight groups (n = 14 per group): Control (C), nandrolone decanoate (ND), trained (T), trained ND (TND), ND + losartan (ND + L), trained ND + losartan (TND + L), ND + spironolactone (ND + S), and trained ND + spironolactone (TND + S). ND (10 mg·kg(-1)·wk(-1)) was administered during 10 wk of swimming training (five times per week). Losartan (20 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) and spironolactone (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) were administered in drinking water. RESULTS Cardiac hypertrophy was increased 10% by using ND and 17% by ND plus training (P < 0.05). In both groups, there was an increase in the collagen volumetric fraction (CVF) and cardiac collagen type III expression (P < 0.05). The ND treatment increased left ventricle-angiotensin-converting enzyme I activity, AT1 receptor expression, aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), and 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2) gene expression and inflammatory markers, TGFβ and osteopontin. Both losartan and spironolactone inhibited the increase of CVF and collagen type III. In addition, both treatments inhibited the increase in left ventricle-angiotensin-converting enzyme I activity, CYP11B2, 11β-HSD2, TGFβ, and osteopontin induced by the ND treatment. CONCLUSIONS We believe this is the first study to show the effects of ND on cardiac aldosterone. Our results suggest that these effects may be associated to TGFβ and osteopontin. Thus, we conclude that the cardiac aldosterone has an important role on the deleterious effects on the heart induced by ND.
Time Course of Cognitive Recovery After Propofol Anaesthesia: A Level of Processing Approach

The aim of this study was to investigate the time course of recovery of verbal memory after general anaesthesia, as a function of the level (shallow or deep) of processing induced at the time of encoding. Thirty-one patients anaesthetized with propofol and alfentanil were compared with 28 control patients receiving only alfentanil. Memory functions were assessed the day before and 1, 6 and 24 hr after operation. Results show that for the anaesthetized group, shallow processing was impaired for 6 hr after surgery whereas the deeper processing was not recovered even at 24 hr. In addition, no specific effect of age was found.
A systematic review of factors associated with the deferral of donors failing to meet low haemoglobin thresholds

Blood donors attending a donation session may be deemed ineligible to donate blood due to a failure to meet low haemoglobin (Hb) thresholds. Several studies have identified factors associated with a donor falling below these Hb thresholds. A review of these factors will inform future prospective studies and form the basis for predictive models of deferral due to low Hb.
A Novel Domain in Adenovirus L4-100K Is Required for Stable Binding and Efficient Inhibition of Human Granzyme B: Possible Interaction with a Species-Specific Exosite

ABSTRACT Lymphocyte granule serine proteases (granzymes) play a critical role in protecting higher organisms against intracellular infections and cellular transformation. The proteases have also been implicated in the generation of tissue damage in a variety of chronic human conditions, including autoimmunity and transplant rejection. Granzyme B (GrB), one cytotoxic member of this family, achieves its effect through cleavage and activation of caspases as well as through caspase-independent proteolysis of cellular substrates. The 100,000-molecular-weight (100K) assembly protein of human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5-100K) was previously defined as a potent and specific inhibitor of human GrB. We now show that although human, mouse, and rat GrB proteases are well conserved in terms of structure, substrate specificity, and function, Ad5-100K inhibitory activity is directed exclusively against the human protease. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that the specificity of the 100K protein for human GrB resides in two distinct interactions with the protease: (i) a unique sequence within the reactive site loop (P1)Asp48-(P1′)Pro49 in Ad5-100K which interacts with the active site and (ii) the presence of an additional inhibitor-enzyme interaction likely outside the enzyme catalytic site (i.e., an exosite). We have located this extended macromolecular interaction site in Ad5-100K within amino acids 688 to 781, and we have demonstrated that this region is essential for stable inhibitor-enzyme complex formation as well as efficient inhibition of human GrB. This novel component of the inhibitory mechanism of the 100K protein identifies a distinct target for selective inhibitor design, a finding which may be of benefit for diseases in which GrB plays a pathogenic role.
Weight loss in obese diabetic and non‐diabetic individuals and long‐term diabetes outcomes – a systematic review

The aim was to review the evidence for the long‐term effects of weight loss on diabetes outcomes in obese people or for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Current evidence is mostly based on short‐term studies. This is a systematic review of long‐term outcomes of weight loss in studies published between 1966 and 2001. Eleven long‐term studies with a follow up of more than 2 years were included. Results show that those with diabetes who lost weight intentionally significantly reduced their mortality risks by 25%. Additionally, weight loss of 9–13 kg was most protective. Patients with the risk of developing diabetes due to either family history of diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, saw a reduction in this risk. Those with large weight losses achievable with surgical interventions reduced their risk by at least 63%. Metabolic handling of glucose improved in 80% of those already with type 2 diabetes who lost weight. Based on one large study, intentional weight loss in obese patients appears to have a beneficial effect on mortality risk for those with type 2 diabetes. Clearly, further studies are needed to endorse this. The risk of developing diabetes being reduced by weight loss was shown in seven studies. However, the results were from studies with different analytical adjustments and outcome indices, making it difficult to make direct comparisons and should be viewed with caution. More long‐term prospective studies need to be conducted with commitment to improving the methodological quality and standardization, in order to accurately assess the long‐term effects of weight loss for obese diabetic and non‐diabetic individuals.
Activation and Proliferation of Endogenous Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells during Ethidium Bromide-Induced Demyelination

The adult brain contains a large population of glial cells with the properties of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The functions of this newly recognized class of glial cells in normal animals are unknown. Here, we analyzed the reactions of OPCs to a transient demyelination of the rat brainstem induced by the injection of ethidium bromide (EB) into the fourth ventricle. Within 22 h after EB injection, there is a 21% decrease in the number of OPCs within affected fiber tracts such as the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, most likely reflecting the toxic actions of EB. The surviving OPCs had enlarged cell bodies with fewer long processes and many membrane blebs. By 2 days after EB injection, these reactive OPCs had incorporated BrdU and increased in number. The increase in OPC cell number reached a maximum between 6-10 days after EB injection, at which time demyelination was complete. Myelin-specific marker antigens reappeared beginning at 12 days postinjection and the remyelination continued for up to 40 days. During remyelination, OPCs displayed a normal stellate morphology with an increased number of thin processes, many of which were closely associated with neurofilament-positive axonal profiles. The transient increase in the number of reactive OPCs within the demyelinated tissue and subsequent decrease in OPC number during remyelination demonstrates that the endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor population responds rapidly to the pathophysiological state of the brain. Demyelination generates a sufficient number of OPCs to participate in the repair of the demyelinated lesions.
Monoclonal antibody 44-3A6 doxorubicin immunoconjugates: comparative in vitro anti-tumor efficacy of different conjugation methods.

Doxorubicin (Dox) was coupled by four published methods to a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) developed against human pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Dox immunoconjugates made with this murine IgG1 MAb, 44-3A6, were evaluated for anti-tumor activity against the human lung cancer cell line, A549. Dox was attached to the MAb (1) by an oxidized dextran T40 intermediate, (2) using dilute glutaraldehyde cross-linking, (3) with an acid-sensitive linker using cis-aconitic anhydride and EDCI, a water-soluble carbodiimide, and (4) using EDCI alone. The biological activity of the different conjugates was compared in vitro by antigen binding (whole-cell RIA) versus serial dilutions of unconjugated MAb cytotoxicity (dye exclusion/viability) versus long dilutions of the various Dox conjugates, Dox and mixtures of Dox and MAb. Preincubation of antigen-expressing tumor cells (A549) for 2 h with excess (250 micrograms/ml) unconjugated MAb prior to conjugate exposure was attempted in order to block the cytotoxic effect. The number of Dox molecules conjugated to 44-3A6 (molar incorporation ratio or MIR) ranged from 3 to 10/1 for carbodiimide linkage and up to 63/1 using the dextran intermediate. Cis-aconityl-derivatized Dox conjugates contained an average of 22 mol Dox/mol immunoglobulin, but drug incorporation was quite variable from experiment to experiment. Dilute glutaraldehyde cross-linking produced an average MIR of 10/1. After repeated attempts to minimize drug and/or MAb precipitation, the percentage decrease (versus MAb) in immunoreactivity of the drug conjugates ranged from 2 to 42% and was dependent on the coupling method and extent of aggregate formation in the preparation. Loss of biological activity (antigen binding and cytotoxicity) was significant when aggregation and precipitation occurred. There were additional losses (17-25%) after sterile filtration through low protein-binding (0.22 microns) filters. Immunoconjugates produced by glutaraldehyde cross-linking were reproducibly 5-10 times more potent against antigen-bearing tumor cells than Dox, and showed selectivity for inhibiting the viability of antigen-positive A549 cell line. Noncovalent mixtures of 44-3A6 and Dox were slightly more potent than Dox. Immunoconjugates produced by the aconityl method and the dextran intermediates were less effective than Dox, the glutaraldehyde-mediated conjugates or Dox and 44-3A6 mixtures. The unconjugated MAb was not cytotoxic when tested at concentrations up to 500 micrograms/ml. Blocking studies using 'cold', unlabeled MAb were of limited success. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cataractogenic potential of quetiapine versus risperidone in the long-term treatment of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: A randomized, open-label, ophthalmologist-masked, flexible-dose, non-inferiority trial

Clinical observations indicate no cataractogenic potential for quetiapine, in contrast to studies in laboratory animals. This randomized, non-inferiority study compared changes in lens opacity during long-term treatment with quetiapine versus risperidone. Patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated in the 2-year, randomized, multicentre, open-label, ophthalmologist-masked, flexible-dose, parallel-group study. Two ophthalmologists examined each patient 6-monthly for presence of nuclear opalescence (N) and cortical (C) or posterior subcapsular opacification (P), according to the lens opacities classification system II. 1098 patients were randomized to treatment. Mean doses were 386.3 mg/day quetiapine and 3.2 mg/day risperidone. Estimated absolute risk differences in cataractogenic events for quetiapine versus risperidone over 2 years were −0.035 (C), −0.012 (N) and −0.017 (P), with upper margins of confidence intervals within the non-inferiority margin of 10%. In post hoc analysis, risk of any lens opacification event was significantly lower for quetiapine than risperidone (6 and 16 events, respectively; risk difference: −0.058; P = 0.035). Efficacy and other safety assessments were in agreement with known profiles of these medications. Quetiapine was non-inferior to risperidone for changes in lens opacity grade in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, indicating that quetiapine does not have clinically significant cataractogenic potential during long-term treatment.
Crime, housing tenure, and economic deprivation: Evidence from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

ABSTRACT This study examines the determinants of 6 types of crime in Milwaukee, a Rust Belt city that has experienced significant deindustrialization in recent decades. Inner-city areas, as well as a unique low-density area on the city’s northwest side with many rental units, might lack the social control necessary to reduce crime. Creating an index of deprivation at the block group level for 2014, we find it to be high in the central city and on the northwest side and correlated with crime, income, and other socioeconomic variables. Crime hot spots, with a few notable exceptions, are located in 2 central-city areas that are poorer and less White than other block groups. A spatial lag regression model shows that deprivation primarily drives arson and assaults, and the share of renters is shown to increase thefts and robberies in low-income areas but not high-income areas.
Significance of ultrasound examination of skin and subcutaneous tissue in secondary lower extremity lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES To clarify whether ultrasound findings of skin and subcutaneous tissue represent the severity of lymphedema. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-five patients with secondary lower extremity lymphedema caused by intrapelvic lymph node dissection during cancer surgery, who first visited our clinic between April 2009 and March 2012, were studied retrospectively. At their first visit, skin thickness, subcutaneous tissue thickness, and subcutaneous echogenicity were assessed at 8 points on the thigh and leg of both legs using an 11-MHz ultrasound transducer. These findings correlated with the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) clinical stage. RESULTS Skin thickness, subcutaneous tissue thickness, and subcutaneous echogenicity all showed significant positive correlation with the ISL stage. However, measuring skin and subcutaneous tissue thicknesses was not feasible in 29%-71% of scanning points in stage III legs because of poor delineation of boundaries at the dermo-hypodermal junction and the upper boundary of the muscular fascia. However, subcutaneous echogenicity was assessable at all scanning points and was linearly correlated with ISL stage. CONCLUSION Evaluating subcutaneous echogenicity is feasible even with low-resolution ultrasound and reflects the ISL stage. These findings may thus be valuable to objectively represent the severity of extremity lymphedema.
The Economic Incentives of International Conflicts: A Theoretical Exposition

This paper explores the event in which a country imposes its power on another country to improve its welfare. It constructs a model of the economic incentives of international armed conflicts and investigates the role of power relations in the furtherance of national welfare. The central result is that in case of an armed conflict, the country with the higher probability of winning has greater wealth and will aim for a larger value of the stake from the armed conflict. Furthermore, as the probability of winning the war rises, the price of the stake the country is willing to pay increases. Keywords : armed conflict, international economics, political economy
Treatment of Refractory Partial Seizures: Preliminary Results of a Controlled Study

Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy has been studied in medically refractory patients with partial seizures in a randomized, blinded, parallel study. After a 3‐month baseline period, the patients were implanted with the Neurocybernetic Prosthesis (NCP) system consisting of the NCP Generator and the Bipolar Vagal Stimulation Lead. Two stimulation paradigms were used, HIGH, which delivers what is considered to be optimal stimulation parameters and LOW, which is considered to be less or noneffective. The system and vagus nerve stimulation were well tolerated and few adverse events have been attributed to either. One patient experienced a period of direct current to the nerve due to a generator malfunction. This resulted in paralysis of the left vocal cord. Efficacy analysis on the first 37 patients to complete the controlled portion of the study has shown that the patients in the HIGH group experienced a mean reduction in seizure frequency of 33.3% and patients in the LOW group experienced a mean reduction in seizure frequency of 8.4%. The difference between the groups is statistically significant with a P value of 0.025. Analysis of seizure duration and intensity does not show any significant change. Ratings of the patient's overall condition fay the patient, investigator, and companion as a measurement of “quality of life” also show improvement in the HIGH group. The results of this interim study demonstrate that vagus nerve stimulation is a safe and effective method of treating partial epileptic seizures.
Otomycosis in Nigeria: treatment with mercurochrome

Summary. Seventy‐two mycologically proven cases of otomycosis (38 males, 34 females) aged 8–80 years were investigated. Aspergillus niger was the commonest aetiological agent (43.1%) followed by Candida spp. (22.2%), A. flavus (19.4%) and A. fumigatus (15.3%). Three topical drugs, namely mercurochrome, clotrimazole and locacorten‐vioform, were evaluated for otomycosis therapy in separate groups of 24 patients each. Mercurochrome was found to be the most efficacious in terms of healing, relief from symptoms of the disease and production of negative fungal cultures. Mercurochrome is recommended as a safe and economical drug for the topical treatment of otomycosis in developing countries like Nigeria.
Neuropsychological Deficits In HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative intravenous drug users (IVDUs): A follow-up study

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive AIDS free and HIV-1 seronegative intravenous drug users were tested twice with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Only minor group differences were found. Memory difficulties were the most pronounced difference with lower scores in the HIV-1 seropositive group. The memory difficulties were to some degree associated with emotional difficulties, that is, anxiety. The HIV-1 seropositive subjects were tested a third time and there was no further decline in any test with memory content at this testing. The only test that showed a significant decline in the HIV-1 seropositive group was the Trail Making Test. (JINS, 1996, 2, 126–133.)
Encystment site affects the reproductive strategy of a progenetic trematode in its fish intermediate host: is host spawning an exit for parasite eggs?

SUMMARY Each transmission event in complex, multi-host life cycles create obstacles selecting for adaptations by trematodes. One such adaptation is life cycle abbreviation through progenesis, in which the trematode precociously matures and reproduces within the second intermediate host. Progenesis eliminates the need for the definitive host and increases the chance of life cycle completion. However, progenetic individuals face egg-dispersal challenges associated with reproducing within metacercarial cysts in the tissues or body cavity of the second intermediate host. Most progenetic species await host death for their eggs to be released into the environment. The present study investigated temporal variation of progenesis in Stegodexamene anguillae in one of its second intermediate fish hosts and the effect of the fish's reproductive cycle on progenesis. The study involved monthly sampling over 13 months at one locality. A greater proportion of individuals became progenetic in the gonads of female fish hosts. Additionally, progenesis of worms in the gonads was correlated with seasonal daylight and temperature changes, major factors controlling fish reproduction. Host spawning events are likely to be an avenue of egg dispersal for this progenetic species, with the adoption of progenesis being conditional on whether or not the parasite can benefit from fish spawning.