Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical and Numerically Stable Linvill-Lump Compact Model of the pn-Junction

We present a compact model of the pn-junction for power device analysis using a physically based and numerically stable version of the approach proposed by Linvill in the 1950s. Problems with the original Linvill formulation have been eliminated by using quasi-Fermi potentials instead of mobile carrier densities as system unknowns and by adopting the Scharfetter-Gummel stable difference approximation. The model naturally accounts for high-level injection and reverse recovery effects and is based on physical parameters such as doping densities, recombination life-times, and geometry rather than empirical parameters such as knee current and relaxation time. The model is implemented in Verilog-A and is verified by dc, small-signal, and large-signal simulations.
Studies on stability in three-layer Hele-Shaw flows

We consider a setup in a Hele-Shaw cell where a fluid of constant viscosity μl occupying a near-half-plane pushes a fluid of constant viscosity μ>μl occupying a layer of length L which in turn pushes another fluid of constant viscosity μr>μ occupying the right half-plane. The fluid upstream has a velocity U. Careful analysis of the dispersion relation arising from linear stability of the three-layer Hele-Shaw flow problem leads to the following specific analytical results all of which are strikingly independent of the length (L) of the middle layer: (i) a necessary and sufficient condition for modal instability; (ii) a critical viscosity of the middle layer that gives the shortest bandwidth of unstable waves; and (iii) a strict upper bound on the growth rate of instabilities, meaning that this upper bound is never reached and hence this upper bound can be improved upon. Results based on exact growth rates are presented which provides some insight into the instability transfer mechanism between interfaces .
Dried and Wet Trichoderma sp . Biomass Adsorption Capacity on Ni , Cd and Cr in Contaminated Groundwater

Groundwater sampled from five different boreholes at a decommissioned landfill site show contamination with heavy metals Cd, Ni and Cr. The nickel level ranges from 0.10 to 0.321 mg/L, cadmium levels ranges from 0.051 to 0.184 mg/L and chromium having concentrations from 0.027 to 0.122 mg/L. The assessment of the metal-binding capacity of dried and wet fungal biomass (Trichoderma sp.) on the contaminated groundwater is studied. Results show that 2.0 g dried biomass of Trichoderma sp. could remove 100 percent Cd, Cr and Ni in the groundwater after 48 contact hours. This is more effective than 20.0g wet biomass, achieving 98 percent removals during the same period. Dried biomass has greater efficiency in the adsorption of all metals from the 5 sources tested. Of the three metals, cadmium showed greater affinity to the biomass, followed by nickel and chromium. The adsorption rate is most rapid the first 24 hours for all metals and is independent of the original concentrations of the metals. The Fourier Transformation Infrared analysis (FTIR) conducted shows Trichoderma sp. possesses functional groups such as amino and hydroxyl groups and these groups influenced the adsorption of heavy metals.
[Obesity and contraception].

Preventing unplanned pregnancies for women who are obese is especially important given the likelihood of co-morbidities that endanger both the woman and fetus. Given that the most effective contraception methods are available only by prescription, necessitating interaction with providers, this study addresses the following questions: Does obesity impact contraception use and women's choice in contraception type? If so, is there a possibility that health care provider bias toward obese individuals contributes to this impact? This sequential mixed methods study leveraged quantitative analysis to inform qualitative interviews with family medicine physicians. Regression analysis was conducted using the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Cycle 2006-2010. The analytic sample (n=5,600+) controlled for individual and socioeconomic factors including poverty, race, education and access to health care. Qualitative, structured interviews were conducted with family medicine residents employed by an accredited California family medicine residency program. The findings demonstrate that sexually active women with a BMI over 35 (obese class II) are 49% less likely to use contraception than women with a BMI below 25 (p-value <.05.) Recent access to reproductive health care did not significantly improve rates of contraception. Women in obese class II who had a recent pelvic exam and/or family planning counseling remain 44% less likely to use contraception (p-value< .001). The findings also demonstrate that obesity is not a significant predictor of using a method prescribed or administered by a physician. Obese women are just as sexually active, as likely to access reproductive health care and - when prescribed - often use the most efficacious method of reversible contraception than other women. These findings imply that continuing to focus intervention efforts primarily on access to reproductive health care for this population may not deliver desired outcomes. The interviews explored the context in which obese patients receive care to highlight and examine important nuances specific to this population. Physicians cited patient concern about contraceptive side effects, provider bias and time and/or resources constraints as contributing to lower rates of use. When asked for suggestions, the majority of physicians recommended invoking a policy to ask all patients of reproductive age about family planning goals. Other common suggestions addressed time constraints, inadequate equipment and additional education for physicians regarding obesity specific reproductive health.
URURAU - UM AMBIENTE PARA DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MODELOS DE SIMULAÇÃO A EVENTOS DISCRETOS

O objetivo deste trabalho e descrever o ambiente de desenvolvimento de modelos de simulacao a eventos discretos Ururau. A simulacao discreta e normalmente utilizada para analisar problemas de pesquisa operacional relacionados principalmente a logistica e as linhas de producao, tanto em empresas como no meio academico. Os ambientes de simulacao a eventos discretos sao os softwares utilizados para a construcao dos modelos de simulacao. Estes softwares sao, na maioria das vezes, de codigo fechado e o funcionamento interno e como uma caixa preta para os pesquisadores e desenvolvedores dos modelos de simulacao. Assim, com a finalidade de explorar a arquitetura interna dos ambientes de simulacao discreta, foi proposto o Ururau. O Ururau e um software de codigo aberto (licenca GPL - General Public License) e multiplataforma, pois e desenvolvido em linguagem Java. Ele possui, ainda, uma interface grafica, que permite o desenvolvimento de modelos de maneira facilitada, atraves de modulos que podem ser interligados para representar a logica de um sistema dinâmico e estocastico. A simbologia utilizada para desenvolver os modelos de simulacao e baseada em IDEF-SIM, que tambem e usada para a documentacao de modelos conceituais para qualquer outro ambiente de simulacao discreta. Os resultados preliminares mostraram que o Ururau permite a execucao dos modelos de simulacao ate cinco vezes mais rapida do que os softwares Arena® ou ProModel® e com resultados equivalentes. Palavras-chave: Simulacao a eventos discretos, simuladores, Java, IDEF-SIM.
Algorithmic Fairness in Online Information Mediating Systems

This paper explores the challenges around fair information access when the limits of human attention require algorithmic assistance for 'finding the diamond in the coal mountain'. While often demanded by users, the seemingly intuitive concept of fairness has proven to be very difficult to operationalise for implementation in algorithms. Here we present two pilot studies aimed at getting a better understanding of the conceptualisation of algorithmic fairness by users. The first was a multi-stakeholder focus-group discussion, the second a user experiment/questionnaire. Based on our data we arrive at a picture of fairness that is highly dependent on context and informedness of users, and possibly inherently misleading due to the implied projecting of human intentions onto an algorithmic process.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients. Resolving discordant meta-analyses.

PURPOSE To resolve discrepancies in previous systematic overviews and provide estimates of the effect of stress ulcer prophylaxis on gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia, and mortality in critically ill patients. DATA IDENTIFICATION Computerized search of published and unpublished research, bibliographies, pharmaceutical and personal files, and conference abstract reports. STUDY SELECTION Independent review of 269 articles identified 63 relevant randomized trials for inclusion. DATA ABSTRACTION We made independent, duplicate assessment of the methodologic quality, population, intervention, and outcomes of each trial. RESULTS The source of discrepancies between prior meta-analyses included incomplete identification of relevant studies, differential inclusion of non-English language and nonrandomized trials, different definitions of bleeding, provision of additional information through direct correspondence with authors, and different statistical methods. The current overview demonstrates that prophylaxis with histamine2-receptor antagonists decreases the incidence of overt gastrointestinal bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.79) and clinically important bleeding (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.88). There is a trend toward decreased overt bleeding when antacids are compared with no therapy (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.37 to 1.17). Histamine2-receptor antagonists and antacids are associated with a trend toward lower clinically important bleeding rates than sucralfate is. There is a trend toward an increased risk of pneumonia associated with histamine2-receptor antagonists as compared with no prophylaxis (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.78 to 2.00). Sucralfate is associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial pneumonia when compared with antacids (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.15) and histamine2-receptor antagonists (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.01). Sucralfate is also associated with a reduced mortality rate (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.97) relative to antacids and to histamine2-receptor antagonists (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.09). CONCLUSIONS Our results emphasize the need for registries to include all randomized trials and demonstrate the importance of explicit methodology for systematic reviews. There is strong evidence of reduced clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding with histamine2-receptor antagonists. Sucralfate may be as effective in reducing bleeding as gastric pH-altering drugs and is associated with lower rates of pneumonia and mortality. However, the data are insufficient to determine the net effect of sucralfate compared with no prophylaxis.
Experimental Demonstration of Time-Dependent Breakdown in GaN-Based Light Emitting Diodes

This letter reports the first experimental demonstration of time-dependent breakdown in GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs); based on a number of constant voltage stress tests, carried out below the breakdown limit of the devices, we show that: 1) when submitted to reverse-bias stress, the LEDs show a gradual increase in current, well correlated with an increase in the breakdown luminescence signal; 2) for sufficiently long stress times, the LEDs can reach a catastrophic (sudden) breakdown, which leads to the failure of the devices; 3) the breakdown process is time-dependent and the time to failure (TTF) has an exponential dependence on stress voltage; and 4) TTF is Weibull distributed. The results presented within this letter demonstrate that the GaN-based heterostructures can show a TDDB-like behavior, and can be useful for the interpretation of the degradation data of LEDs and HEMTs.
Biomechanical effect of medial cortical support and medial screw support on locking plate fixation in proximal humeral fractures with a medial gap: a finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE This finite element analysis aimed to examine the effect of medial cortical support and medial screw support on loads at the implant-bone interface of locking plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures with a medial gap. METHODS An intact humerus from a healthy volunteer was used as the basis for a 3-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model. The 3D CAD model of the locking plate system was based on information in the manufacturer's catalogue. The proximal part of the humerus was osteotomized to create standard three-part fractures, which were then divided into a -MSC group (which lacked medial cortical support, and in which fractures with a 5-mm medial bone gap simulated this lack) and +MCS group (which had medial cortical support, and in which fractures with medial cortical-to-cortical contact simulated this). Both fracture groups were respectively fixed with either +MSS (in which medial screw support was simulated by the addition of two calcar screws to the locking plate system), or with -MSS (in which the lack of medial screw support was simulated by absence of the two additional calcar screws to the locking plate system). All the modeling was conducted to represent 90° arm abduction. RESULTS On the screw-bone interface, medial screw support and medial cortical support decreased maximum shear stress by 17% and 23% respectively. On the locking plate, medial screw support and medial cortical support decreased maximum von Mises stress by 11% and 22% respectively. However, a combination of these two appeared to decrease maximum shear stress by 56% for the screw-bone interface, and maximum von Mises stress by 54% for the locking plate. CONCLUSION Placement of calcar screws combined with good medial cortical contact in varus in locking plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures with a medial gap may provide optimal stability for the fixation.
The Reliability and Validity of the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits: A Meta-Analytic Review

In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a Limited Prosocial Emotions specifier was added to the conduct disorder diagnostic criteria to designate a subgroup of children who exhibit callous unemotional (CU) traits. The Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) is the only dedicated measure of CU traits and was influential in the development of the Limited Prosocial Emotions specifier. Despite its role in the research and diagnosis of CU traits, some questions have persisted regarding the internal consistency and validity of the ICU and its three subscales: callous, uncaring, and unemotional. Results of a meta-analysis revealed acceptable internal consistency and external validity for total ICU, callous, and uncaring scores, but not unemotional scores. These results support the utility of the total ICU, callous, and uncaring scales, but indicate weaknesses in the scale or construct of unemotionality as it relates to interpersonal callousness, uncaring, and antisociality.
Fine‐needle aspiration of primary and recurrent benign fibrous histiocytoma: Classic, aneurysmal, and myxoid variants

There is a limited number of correlative cytopathological studies of fibrous histiocytoma (FHC). To better define cytopathological criteria of diagnosis, we have reviewed fine‐needle aspirates (FNA) from 36 FHCs (32 classical, 1 myxoid, and 3 aneurysmal variants on corresponding histological sections).
Locke, Butler and the Stream of Consciousness: and Men as a Natural Kind

Locke defined a person as ‘a thinking intelligent being, that has reason and reflection, and can consider itself as itself, the same thinking thing, in different times and places” (Essay, II, xxvii, 2). To many who have been excited by the same thought as Locke, continuity of consciousness has seemed to be an integral part of what we mean by a person. The intuitive appeal of the idea that to secure the continuing identity of a person one experience must flow into the next experience in some ‘stream of consciousoness” is evidenced by the number of attempts in the so-called constructionalist tradition to explain continuity of consciousness in terms of memory, and then build or reconstruct the idea of a person with these materials. The philosophical difficulty of the idea is plain from the failure of these attempts. Hindsight suggests this was as inevitable as the failure of the attempt (if anyone ever made it) to make bricks from straw alone—and as a failure just as uninteresting. Which is not to deny that the memory theorist might get from it a sense that some of the difficulties in his programme have arisen from his leaving flesh and bones, the stuff of persons, out of his construction.
Predicting High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection, Progression of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, and Prognosis of Cervical Cancer With a Panel of 13 Biomarkers Tested in Multivariate Modeling

Summary: Comprehensive multivariate models were used to disclose whether any of our previously analyzed 13 markers would be independent predictors of intermediate end point markers in cervical carcinogenesis. The expression of the following biomarkers, E-cadherin, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, 67-kd laminin receptor (LR67), matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, nuclear factor-&kgr;B, nm23-H1, p16INK4A, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, survivin, human telomerase reverse transcriptase, topoisomerase 2&agr;, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C in 150 cervical cancer (CC) and 152 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions were determined immunohistochemically. Multivariate models were constructed to test predictive power of the markers for 3 outcomes: (1) high-grade CIN, (2) high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), and (3) CC survival. Performance indicators were calculated and compared by the areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Three marker panels were identified consisting of 5 independent predictors of CIN2 (E-cadherin, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, LR67, topoisomerase 2&agr;, and VEGF-C), 3 predictors of HR-HPV (survivin, p16INK4a, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase), and 2 predictors of CC survival (nm23-H1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2). In predicting CIN2, the best balance between sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) was obtained by combining the 2 most powerful predictors in panel 1 (VEGF-C and LR67), giving the area under ROC curve, 0.897 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.847-0.947); odds ratio, 86.27 (95% CI, 19.71-377.47); SE, 86.0%; SP, 93.3%; positive predictive value (PPV), 99.1%; and negative predictive value (NPV), 43.1%. In a hypothetical screening setting (10,000 women; CIN2 prevalence, 1%), this marker combination should theoretically detect CIN2 with 86.0% SE, 100% SP, 99.1% PPV, and 99.6% NPV, area under ROC curve of 0.930 (95% CI, 0.909-0.951), and odds ratio, 29998.0 (95% CI, 7,879.0-37,338.0). Combining 2 markers (LR67 and VEGF-C) enables accurate detection of high-grade CIN in a clinical setting. However, testing the performance of this marker combination in a screening setting necessitates their analysis in cytological samples.
Laboratory Maintenance of Bordetella pertussis

The causative agent of the respiratory disease whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis, is a nutritionally fastidious microorganism but can be grown with relative ease in research laboratories. Stainer‐Scholte synthetic broth medium and Bordet‐Gengou blood agar both support growth of B. pertussis and are commonly used. B. pertussis prefers aerobic conditions and a temperature range of 35° to 37°C. Appropriate laboratory safety protocols are required to prevent the generation of aerosols, which could potentially spread this highly infectious agent. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 15:4B.1. 1‐4B.1. 9. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Social Support and Risk-Adjusted Mortality in a Frail Older Population

Objective:The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that social support is an important predictor of mortality in a frail older population receiving formal long-term care services. Research Design and Methods:The analysis is based on 3138 individuals enrolled in 28 Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Information about the enrollees is obtained from dataPACE. Semiparametric Cox proportional hazards models are estimated to assess the importance of individual risk factors, program effect, and social support. Results:The introduction of the social support variables into the mortality model containing the sociodemographic, health needs, and the PACE-site indicator variables results in a significant improvement of the overall model fit. Several social support variables are statistically significant predictors of mortality. Controlling for all participant and caregiver characteristics, participants whose caregiver is a spouse have a significantly lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 0.63) compared with those whose caregiver is not a spouse. Furthermore, caregivers’ assistance with meals confers a significantly lower risk of morality (hazard ratio = 0.66) compared with no assistance with meals. Conclusions:This study shows that certain aspects of informal caregiving are important factors enhancing survival in a population of frail, nursing home-certifiable individuals enrolled in a health program that already provides extensive services, including personal care, chores, and meals. Further research to better differentiate between the affective versus the instrumental dimensions of social support is needed to guide programs on how to balance the use of resources to provide both the necessary formal services and the support for the informal caregivers.
Rapid identification of markers linked to a Pseudomonas resistance gene in tomato by using random primers and near-isogenic lines.

An approach to isolating DNA sequences that are linked to important plant genes is described. The strategy is based upon a recent modification of the polymerase chain reaction in which synthetic primers are used to amplify random sequences from genomic DNA. This technique, used in conjunction with near-isogenic lines (which differ only by the presence or absence of the target gene and a small region of surrounding DNA), leads to the rapid identification of sequences linked to the gene of interest. The feasibility of this method has been demonstrated by analyzing a pair of tomato near-isogenic lines that differ for a region on chromosome 5 that contains a gene (Pto) conferring resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. One hundred forty-four random primers were screened on these lines, and seven amplified products were identified that were present in one but not the other line. Of four products that were further investigated, three were confirmed by segregation analysis to be tightly linked to the Pto gene. Linked sequences identified by this method are useful for detecting the presence of the target gene in plant populations (e.g., in plant breeding) and, if very tightly linked, as starting points for a chromosome walk to isolate the gene. Since near-isogenic lines are a typical product of plant breeding and classical genetic studies, this method is applicable to a wide variety of species.