Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling IC Snapback Characteristics Under Electrostatic Discharge Stress

This paper presents a novel technique for modeling the electrostatic discharge snapback phenomenon in integrated circuits (ICs). The macromodel is built using standard components: BSIM3v3.2 model for the MOSFET, a bipolar transistor modeled by Mextram 504.7, and a substrate resistor. The IC under test is characterized by its die and package impedance. The model should allow easier simulation program with IC emphasis implementation, high simulation speed, less convergence issues, and wider availability of a gate-grounded n-type MOSFET protection device. Our model determines the interaction between the protection device and the internal circuitry of the IC. The model parameters are extracted with MATLAB script. Simulation results are compared with transmission-line pulsing measurement for a voltage regulator NCV4949 and a controller area network transceiver TLE6250G.
New Age Religion and Secularization

Depuis longtemps, le defi de la secularisation est etudie par les universitaires interesses par la religion dans le monde moderne. Mais beaucoup d'entre-eux tendent a le comprendre comme une opposition entre le christianisme et une vue non-religieuse de la vie. Pour l'A. , cette perception est depassee. L'emergence de la religion du New Age montre comment la secularisation a genere un type entierement nouveau de religion qui semble reunir des traditions anciennes mais qui est actuellement basee sur de nouvelles fondations. En cela le New Age est un phenomene crucial.
Milking the Quality Test: Improving the Milk Supply Chain Under Competing Collection Intermediaries

We examine operational and incentive issues that conspire to reduce the quality of milk—via deliberate adulteration by milk farmers—acquired by competing collection intermediaries in developing countries. Broadly speaking, three main forces in the milk supply chain lead to the low quality of milk: high testing costs, harmful competition among stations, and free-riding among farmers. The goal of this study is to provide recommendations that address the quality problem with minimal testing. Interestingly, some intuitive interventions—such as providing stations with better infrastructure (e.g., storage and refrigeration facilities) or subsidizing testing costs—could hurt the quality of milk in the presence of competition. To save testing costs we utilize mixed testing, where the milk combined from multiple farmers is tested once. However, mixed testing makes the system vulnerable to free-riding among farmers. We counter free-riding by applying a credible threat of individual testing (although not its actual .
DNMT1 as a Molecular Target in a Multimodality-Resistant Phenotype in Tumor Cells

We have previously shown that hydrogen peroxide–resistant permanent (OC-14) cells are resistant to the cytotoxicity of several exogenous oxidative and anticancer agents including H2O2, etoposide, and cisplatin; and we refer to this process as an oxidative multimodality-resistant phenotype (MMRP). Furthermore, OC-14 cells contain increased activator protein 1 activity, and inhibition of activator protein 1 reversed the MMRP. In this study, we show that permanent Rat-1 cell lines genetically altered to overexpress c-Fos also displayed a similar MMRP to H2O2, etoposide, and cisplatin as OC-14 cells. Gene expression analysis of the OC-14 cells and c-Fos–overexpressing cells showed increased DNMT1 expression. Where OC-14 and c-Fos–overexpressing cells were exposed to 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, which inhibits DNMT activity, a significant but incomplete reversal of the MMRP was observed. Thus, it seems logical to suggest that DNMT1 might be at least one target in the MMRP. Rat-1 cells genetically altered to overexpress DNMT1 were also shown to be resistant to the cytotoxicity of H2O2, etoposide, and cisplatin. Finally, somatic HCT116 knockout cells that do not express either DNMT1 (DNMT1−/−) or DNMT3B (DNMT3B−/−) were shown to be more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of H2O2, etoposide, and cisplatin compared with control HCT116 cells. This work is the first example of a role for the epigenome in tumor cell resistance to the cytotoxicity of exogenous oxidative (H2O2) or systemic (etoposide and cisplatin) agents and highlights a potential role for DNMT1 as a potential molecular target in cancer therapy. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(2):243–9)
Fractal measures of passively convected vector fields and scalar gradients in chaotic fluid flows.

The passive convection of vector fields and scalar functions by a prescribed incompressible fluid flow v(x,t) is considered for the case where v(x,t) is chaotic. By chaotic v(x,t) it is meant that typical nearby fluid elements diverge from each other exponentially in time. It is shown that in such cases, as time increases, a convected vector field and the gradient of a convected scalar will generally concentrate on a set which is fractal. The present paper relates the stretching properties of the flow to the resulting fractal dimension spectrum. Motivation for these considerations is provided by the kinematic magnetic dynamo problem (in the vector case) and (in the scalar case) by recent experiments which demonstrate the possibility of measuring the fractal dimension of the gradient squared of convected passive scalars.
Theory and practice in sport psychology and motor behaviour needs to be constrained by integrative modelling of brain and behaviour

Because of advances in technology, the non-invasive study of the human brain has enhanced the knowledge base within the neurosciences, resulting in an increased impact on the psychological study of human behaviour. We argue that application of this knowledge base should be considered in theoretical modelling within sport psychology and motor behaviour alongside existing ideas. We propose that interventions founded on current theoretical and empirical understanding in both psychology and the neurosciences may ultimately lead to greater benefits for athletes during practice and performance. As vehicles for exploring the arguments of a greater integration of psychology and neurosciences research, imagery and perception–action within the sport psychology and motor behaviour domains will serve as exemplars. Current neuroscience evidence will be discussed in relation to theoretical developments; the implications for sport scientists will be considered.
THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSPLASIA, CARCINOMA IN SITU AND MICROCARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX

Information about and histological preparations from 728 patients treated between 1955 and 1965 for dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or microcarcinoma (microinvasive carcinoma) were submitted to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynae‐cologists. The results of treatment were analyzed as well as discrepancies between the diagnosis made by the original hospital pathologist and a panel of pathologists.
Linear Score Tests for Variance Components in Linear Mixed Models and Applications to Genetic Association Studies

Following the rapid development of genome‐scale genotyping technologies, genetic association mapping has become a popular tool to detect genomic regions responsible for certain (disease) phenotypes, especially in early‐phase pharmacogenomic studies with limited sample size. In response to such applications, a good association test needs to be (1) applicable to a wide range of possible genetic models, including, but not limited to, the presence of gene‐by‐environment or gene‐by‐gene interactions and non‐linearity of a group of marker effects, (2) accurate in small samples, fast to compute on the genomic scale, and amenable to large scale multiple testing corrections, and (3) reasonably powerful to locate causal genomic regions. The kernel machine method represented in linear mixed models provides a viable solution by transforming the problem into testing the nullity of variance components. In this study, we consider score‐based tests by choosing a statistic linear in the score function. When the model under the null hypothesis has only one error variance parameter, our test is exact in finite samples. When the null model has more than one variance parameter, we develop a new moment‐based approximation that performs well in simulations. Through simulations and analysis of real data, we demonstrate that the new test possesses most of the aforementioned characteristics, especially when compared to existing quadratic score tests or restricted likelihood ratio tests.
Distinguishing two types of adolescent sex offenders.

OBJECTIVE To distinguish between adolescent sex offenders according to nonsexual offense history. METHOD Thirty-two sex offenders, 48 criminally versatile offenders, and 34 nonaggressive offenders referred by youth courts for mental health assessments in Toronto, Canada between 1994 and 1997 were compared on measures of childhood conduct problems, current behavioral adjustment, antisocial attitudes and beliefs, and risk for future delinquency. Sex offenders were further divided into those without (sex-only) and those with (sex-plus) nonsexual offenses in their criminal histories. RESULTS Sex offenders were similar to non-sex offenders in their childhood conduct problems, current behavioral adjustment, and antisocial attitudes and beliefs, but they had a lower risk for future delinquency. Sex-only offenders had significantly fewer childhood conduct problems, better current adjustment, more prosocial attitudes, and a lower risk for future delinquency than did the non-sex offender groups, whereas sex-plus offenders resembled criminally versatile offenders. CONCLUSIONS Differences between sex-only and sex-plus offenders reflect a valid typological distinction. Discrimination between these two groups is important when assigning sex offenders to appropriate interventions.
Severe paediatric ulcerative colitis: incidence, outcomes and optimal timing for second-line therapy

Background: Despite the predominance of extensive disease in children with ulcerative colitis, data concerning severe paediatric ulcerative colitis are sparse. We reviewed rates and predictors of response to intravenous-corticosteroid therapy in a single-centre cohort with long-term follow-up. Methods: 99 children (49% males; age 2–17 years) were hospitalised (1991–2000) for treatment of severe ulcerative colitis (90% extensive; 49% new onset ulcerative colitis). Clinical, laboratory and radiographic data were reviewed. A population-based subset was used to assess incidence. Predictors of corticosteroid response were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses at days 3 and 5 of therapy. Colectomy rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. Results: 28% (95% CI, 23 to 34%) of children with ulcerative colitis resident in the Greater Toronto Area required admission for intravenous corticosteroid therapy, of whom 53 (53%; 95% CI, 44 to 63%) responded. Several predictors were associated with corticosteroid failure, but in multivariable modelling only C-reactive protein [OR = 3.5 (1.4 to 8.4)] and number of nocturnal stools [OR = 3.2 (1.6 to 6.6)] remained significant at both days 3 and 5. The Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI), Travis and Lindgren’s indices strongly predicted non-response. Radiographically, the upper range of colonic luminal width was 40 mm in children younger than 11 years versus 60 mm in older patients. Cumulative colectomy rates at discharge, 1 year and 6 years were 42%, 58% and 61%, respectively. Conclusions: Children with ulcerative colitis commonly experience at least one severe exacerbation. Response to intravenous corticosteroids is poor. The PUCAI, determined at day 3 (>45 points) should be used to screen for patients likely to fail corticosteroids and at day 5 (>70 points) to dictate the introduction of second-line therapies.
Determination of partition and lateral diffusion coefficients of ubiquinones by fluorescence quenching of n-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acids in phospholipid vesicles and mitochondrial membranes.

The quenching of fluorescence of n-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acids and other probes by different ubiquinone homologues and analogues has been exploited to assess the localization and lateral mobility of the quinones in lipid bilayers of model and mitochondrial membranes. The true bimolecular collisional quenching constants in the lipids together with the lipid/water partition coefficients were obtained from Stern-Volmer plots at different membrane concentrations. A monomeric localization of the quinone in the phospholipid bilayer is suggested for the short side-chain ubiquinone homologues and for the longer derivatives when cosonicated with the phospholipids. The diffusion coefficients of the ubiquinones, calculated from the quenching constants either in three dimensions or in two dimensions, are in the range of (1-6) X 10(-6) cm2 s-1, both in phospholipid vesicles and in mitochondrial membranes. A careful analysis of different possible locations of ubiquinones in the phospholipid bilayer, accounting for the calculated diffusion coefficients and the viscosities derived therefrom, strongly suggests that the ubiquinone 10 molecule is located within the lipid bilayer with the quinone ring preferentially adjacent to the polar head groups of the phospholipids and the hydrophobic tail largely accommodated in the bilayer midplane. The steady-state rates of either ubiquinol 1-cytochrome c reductase or NADH:ubiquinone 1 reductase are proportional to the concentration of the quinol or quinone substrate in the membrane. The second-order rate constants appear to be at least 3 orders of magnitude lower than the second-order constants for quenching of the fluorescent probes; this is taken as a clear indication that ubiquinone diffusion is not the rate-determining step in the quinone-enzyme interaction. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interferon-γ Induces X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis-associated Factor-1 and Noxa Expression and Potentiates Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis by STAT3 Activation*

Interferon (IFN)-γ actions on the vessel wall play an important role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis, yet the contribution of different IFN-γ signaling pathways to the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of IFN-γ on VSMCs and arteries through interactions involving signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. In addition to STAT1 activation, IFN-γ consistently phosphorylated STAT3 in human VSMCs but weakly or not at all in human endothelial cells or mouse VSMCs. STAT3 activation resulted in nuclear translocation of this transcription factor. By selectively inhibiting STAT3 and not STAT1 signaling, we identified a number of candidate IFN-γ-inducible, STAT3-dependent gene products by microarray analysis. Results for selected genes, including the pro-apoptotic molecules X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis associated factor-1 (XAF1) and Noxa, were verified by real time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblot analyses. IFN-γ-induced STAT3 and STAT1 signaling in VSMCs demonstrated reciprocal inhibition. STAT3 activation by IFN-γ sensitized VSMCs to apoptosis triggered by both death receptor- and mitochondrial-mediated pathways. Knock down of XAF1 and Noxa expression inhibited the priming of VSMCs to apoptotic stimuli by IFN-γ. Finally, we confirmed the in vivo relevance of our observations using a chimeric animal model of immunodeficient mice bearing human coronary artery grafts in which the expression of XAF1 and Noxa as well as the pro-apoptotic effects induced by IFN-γ were dependent on STAT3. The data suggest STAT1-independent signaling by IFN-γ via STAT3 that promotes the death of human VSMCs.
Magnitude of change in outcomes following entry-level evidence-based practice training: a systematic review

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the magnitude of change (effect size) in outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, skills and confidence) following evidence-based practice training in entry-level health professional students. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for primary studies that investigated the effectiveness of evidencebased practice intervention(s) and reported on, or included data, to allow the calculation of effect size. Data were extracted regarding the effect size, or enabling calculation of effect size (mean, standard deviation, standard error, sample size). Results: Eight studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes for evidence-based practice knowledge and skills ranged from small (0.33) to huge (5.42). Four studies exploring attitudes found negligible (0.075) to medium (0.57) effect sizes. These studies assessing behaviours showed effect sizes ranging from negligible (0.031) to very large (1.34). Very large (0.89) and huge (3.03) effect sizes were reported for confidence with evidence-based practice. Conclusions: Few studies reported the effect size for outcomes and many did not report sufficient data to enable calculation of effect size. Considerable and varied improvements were found in students’ evidence-based
Opinions of Dutch Liver Transplant Recipients on Anonymity of Organ Donation and Direct Contact With the Donors Family

Background In the Netherlands, anonymity of organ donation, which is currently protected by legislation, has come under discussion. In the Dutch society, a tendency to allow direct contact between transplant recipients and their donor’s family is noticeable. As little is known about the opinion of Dutch liver transplant recipients on anonymity of organ donation and direct contact with the donor’s family, this study examines their opinions. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 244 liver transplant recipients. Their opinions were examined in relation to demographic, transplant-related and emotional variables. Data were collected by questionnaire. Transplant-related variables were retrieved from the hospital’s liver transplant database. Results Fifty-three percent of the respondents (n = 177) agreed with anonymity of organ donation, mainly out of respect for the donor. Living situation, age, and level of positive affect influenced this opinion. The majority of the respondents (65%) indicated that they would like to receive some information about their donor, like age, sex, and health status. Only 19% of the respondents favored direct contact with the donor’s family, mainly to express their gratitude personally. Respondents transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis were less in favor of direct contact. Respondents with feelings of guilt doubted more about direct contact. Conclusion There is no need to change the current legislation on anonymity of organ donation. However, most liver transplant recipients would like to receive some general information about their donor. Therefore, clear guidelines on the sharing of donor data with recipients need to be established.
An Amino Acid in the Central Catalytic Domain of Three Retroviral Integrases That Affects Target Site Selection in Nonviral DNA

ABSTRACT Integrase can insert retroviral DNA into almost any site in cellular DNA; however, target site preferences are noted in vitro and in vivo. We recently demonstrated that amino acid 119, in the α2 helix of the central domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase, affected the choice of nonviral target DNA sites. We have now extended these findings to the integrases of a nonprimate lentivirus and a more distantly related alpharetrovirus. We found that substitutions at the analogous positions in visna virus integrase and Rous sarcoma virus integrase changed the target site preferences in five assays that monitor insertion into nonviral DNA. Thus, the importance of this protein residue in the selection of nonviral target DNA sites is likely to be a general property of retroviral integrases. Moreover, this amino acid might be part of the cellular DNA binding site on integrase proteins.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility by Activating MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), which Down-regulates Expression of Family of Dedicator of Cytokinesis (DOCK) Proteins*

Background: miR-21 expression is regulated by BMP4 and plays a critical role in vSMC phenotype regulation. Results: Affinity purification of mRNAs associated with miR-21 yielded nearly all members of the DOCK superfamily. Conclusion: miR-21 targets multiple members of the DOCK superfamily and modulates the activity of Rac1 small GTPase to regulate vSMC phenotype. Significance: This study identified novel targets of miR-21 using a biochemical method. The bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling pathway plays a critical role in the promotion and maintenance of the contractile phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC). Misexpression or inactivating mutations of the BMP receptor gene can lead to dedifferentiation of vSMC characterized by increased migration and proliferation that is linked to vascular proliferative disorders. Previously we demonstrated that vSMCs increase microRNA-21 (miR-21) biogenesis upon BMP4 treatment, which induces contractile gene expression by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). To identify novel targets of miR-21 that are critical for induction of the contractile phenotype by BMP4, biotinylated miR-21 was expressed in vSMCs followed by an affinity purification of mRNAs associated with miR-21. Nearly all members of the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) 180-related protein superfamily were identified as targets of miR-21. Down-regulation of DOCK4, -5, and -7 by miR-21 inhibited cell migration and promoted cytoskeletal organization by modulating an activity of small GTPase. Thus, this study uncovers a regulatory mechanism of the vSMC phenotype by the BMP4-miR-21 axis through DOCK family proteins.
Formação Continuada de Professores: Reflexões sobre o Ensino de Língua Portuguesa

O artigo traz um panorama do objeto de ensino de Lingua Portuguesa - LP e apresenta uma reflexao sobre a formacao continuada de professores, optando por projetos de intervencao como uma das possibilidades de aproximacao de estudos teoricos de projetos de pesquisa ligados a academia para enriquecimento do contexto educacional brasileiro. A proposta ancora-se em tres caminhos teoricos: a base filosofico-linguistica do Circulo de Bakhtin, a base psicologica de Vigostki e a base didatico-metodologica de Gasparin, por meio do Plano de Trabalho Docente. A opcao pelo plano de trabalho docente e justificada por contemplar o sujeito socio-historico, tendo como referencial epistemologico o processo dialetico do conhecimento. A metodologia sugerida segue os cinco passos propostos por Saviani: a pratica social inicial, a problematizacao, a instrumentalizacao, a catarse e a pratica social final. O trabalho de intervencao na formacao continuada com a abordagem dos generos discursivos, em perspectiva da Analise Dialogica do Discurso, mostra-se como um espaco de reflexao critica da pratica docente, colaborando com o profissional em sala de aula, de acordo com as necessidades contemporâneas do ensino.