Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 1000-MIPS/W microprocessor using speed adaptive threshold-voltage CMOS with forward bias

Substrate bias is continuously controlled from -1.5 V (backward bias) to 0.5 V (forward bias) to compensate for fabrication fluctuation, supply voltage variation, and operating temperature variation. A speed-adaptive threshold-voltage (SA-Vt) CMOS with forward bias is used in a 4.3M transistor microprocessor. The SA-Vt CMOS with forward bias occupies 320/spl times/400 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ and consumes 4 mA. The processor provides 400 VAX MIPS at 1.5 to 1.8 V with 320 to 380mW dissipation. It achieves >1000-MIPS/W performance.
Chiral Isotropic Liquids from Achiral Molecules

Packing Bananas and Boomerangs Assembling achiral molecules typically generates achiral domains. However, odd things can happen when the molecules are banana-or boomerang-shaped—their cores can twist out of plain to form left- or right-handed helices, which can then pack into chiral domains that will polarize light (see the Perspective by Amabilino). Hough et al. (p. 452) show that if you make the situation even more complex by frustrating the packing of adjacent layers, you can create a material that appears to be macroscopically isotropic with only very local positional and orientational ordering of the molecules but still shows an overall chirality. In a second paper, Hough et al. (p. 456) also show that if you change the chemistry of the molecules to allow for better overall packing, you can create a situation where helical filaments form that also tend to pack in layered structures. However, the frustration between the two types of packing leads to macroscopically chiral and mesoporous structures. Banana-shaped molecules lacking handedness form a macroscopically isotropic fluid that still has overall chirality. A variety of simple bent-core molecules exhibit smectic liquid crystal phases of planar fluid layers that are spontaneously both polar and chiral in the absence of crystalline order. We found that because of intralayer structural mismatch, such layers are also only marginally stable against spontaneous saddle splay deformation, which is incompatible with long-range order. This results in macroscopically isotropic fluids that possess only short-range orientational and positional order, in which the only macroscopically broken symmetry is chirality—even though the phases are formed from achiral molecules. Their conglomerate domains exhibit optical rotatory powers comparable to the highest ever found for isotropic fluids of chiral molecules.
How prevalent is vitamin B(12) deficiency among vegetarians?

Vegetarians are at risk for vitamin B(12) (B12) deficiency due to suboptimal intake. The goal of the present literature review was to assess the rate of B12 depletion and deficiency among vegetarians and vegans. Using a PubMed search to identify relevant publications, 18 articles were found that reported B12 deficiency rates from studies that identified deficiency by measuring methylmalonic acid, holo-transcobalamin II, or both. The deficiency rates reported for specific populations were as follows: 62% among pregnant women, between 25% and almost 86% among children, 21-41% among adolescents, and 11-90% among the elderly. Higher rates of deficiency were reported among vegans compared with vegetarians and among individuals who had adhered to a vegetarian diet since birth compared with those who had adopted such a diet later in life. The main finding of this review is that vegetarians develop B12 depletion or deficiency regardless of demographic characteristics, place of residency, age, or type of vegetarian diet. Vegetarians should thus take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including regular consumption of supplements containing B12.
Adjoint Expansions in Local Lévy Models

We propose a novel method for the analytical approximation in local volatility models with Levy jumps. The main result is an expansion of the characteristic function in a local Levy model, which is worked out in the Fourier space by considering the adjoint formulation of the pricing problem. Combined with standard Fourier methods, our result provides efficient and accurate pricing formulae. In the case of Gaussian jumps, we also derive an explicit approximation of the transition density of the underlying process by a heat kernel expansion: the approximation is obtained in two ways, using partial integro-differential equation techniques and working in the Fourier space. Numerical tests confirm the effectiveness of the method.
A method for determining types of self-esteem.

“The present study describes a method of determining self-esteem. This method is based upon a conbination of (a) the subject's response to the Self-Esteem Inventory; (b) a rating of certain of his behaviors which are presumably related to self-esteem; and (c) information on a constellation of experiential and motivational variables. ” 22 refs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
Telemedicine Home Program in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Results after 10 Years.

OBJECTIVES We studied the effect of Telehomecare (THC) in a group of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) was monitored at home, with the aim of an early recognition of the relapses of pulmonary infections. FEV1 was monitored for 4.5 years, using THC as a tool, in addition to the standard therapeutic protocol. 16 CF patients were followed by doctors experts in the treatment of CF, over a period of 4.5 years. We compared a control group among patients seen in the past for an identical period, matching for number, age, sex, respiratory function, bacterial colonization, O2 dependency, and complications. 16 CF patients with similar characteristics of age, degree of pulmonary involvement, bacterial colonization and O2 dependency. We calculated the annual mean values of FEV1 in both groups. RESULTS Spirometry data showed a significant improvement in annual Fev1 mean values for the THC patients as compared to the control group. DISCUSSION The data are encouraging for a possible role of Telemedicine as a tool for domestic assistance of patients affected by chronic diseases, such as CF. However, reliable data on the long-term effectiveness of the use of THC in the treatment of CF patients is still lacking. The time has come to obtain reliable data through a multicenter collaboration study, also in order to standardize the international Telemedicine protocols.
Preclinical studies of the novel vascular disrupting agent MN-029.

BACKGROUND Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) are designed to cause a rapid and selective shutdown of the established tumor vasculature, which leads to secondary ischemic tumor cell death. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the efficacy of a novel VDA, MN-029, in the rodent KHT sarcoma model. RESULTS A significant reduction in the functional vessel number was observed after intraperitoneal injection of MN-029 at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Histological evaluation showed extensive necrosis (approximately 90%) by 24 h. MN-029 treatment to the tumor-bearing mice also resulted in a dose-dependent tumor cell killing. When used in combination with radiation or cisplatin chemotherapy, a 100 mg/kg dose of MN-029 significantly enhanced tumor killing compared to that seen with radiation or cisplatin alone. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that MN-029 could cause rapid vascular shutdown in solid tumors, dose-dependent secondary tumor cell killing, and effective enhancement of the antitumor effects of radiation and cisplatin chemotherapy.
Cytokine response to pulmonary thromboendarterectomy.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is an effective but challenging treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). PTE is associated with marked hemodynamic instability in the perioperative course, suggesting the involvement of circulating mediators. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing PTE. METHODS Fourteen patients with CTEPH (mean [+/- SD] pulmonary vascular resistance, 1,056 +/- 399 dyne.s.cm(-5)) underwent PTE using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Peripheral arterial blood samples were drawn prior to patients undergoing sternotomy, during CPB, before and after DHCA, and 0, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h after surgery. An enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10. Seven patients undergoing aortic arch replacement (ARCH) in DHCA served as a control group. RESULTS Prior to and during PTE, the CTEPH patients exhibited elevated TNF-alpha levels, which decreased within the first 24 postoperative hours (p = 0.02). There was no TNF-alpha release among patients in the ARCH group. IL-6 levels were similar in both groups throughout the perioperative course. A profound anti-inflammatory response was observed in the PTE group, which was reflected by elevated IL-10 levels prior to surgery and a marked peak level immediately after surgery. A positive correlation was found between maximum vasopressor support and peak levels of IL-6 (r = 0.82) in the PTE patients. CONCLUSION Heart failure due to CTEPH appears to generate a pronounced inflammatory response with the release of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. PTE results in the rapid normalization of preoperatively elevated TNF-alpha levels. IL-6-mediated systemic inflammatory cascades may be involved in the regulation of peripheral vascular tone after PTE.
RANTES Gene Polymorphisms Are Not Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Atopic Dermatitis: A Meta-Analysis

Background: A few recent studies have suggested that regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) polymorphisms (-403 G/A, -28C/G) are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there still existed studies that did not confirm this correlation. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships of RANTES and RA and AD using a meta-analysis. Methods: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were systemically searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers, and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: Eight studies were enrolled, including a total of 548 RA cases and 493 controls of -403G/A, 305 RA cases and 303 controls of -28C/G, and 705 AD cases and 578 controls of -403G/A in this meta-analysis. In RA, the overall OR and 95% CI of -403A were 1.41, 1.10–1.82 (p = 0.391) and 2.18, 1.30–3.66 (p = 0.335) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. The overall OR and 95% CI of -28G in RA were 1.35, 0.91–2.01 (p = 0.707) and 3.32, 1.29–8.52 (p = 0.559) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. Moreover, the overall OR and 95% CI of -403A in AD were 1.38, 1.08–1.76 (p = 0.421) and 1.06 and 0.65–1.72 (p = 0.361) in dominant and recessive models, respectively. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that RANTES -403G/A and -28C/G were not associated with RA and AD.
Integrated chronostratigraphic calibration of the Oligocene-Miocene boundary at 24.0 ± 0.1 Ma from the CRP-2A drill core, Ross Sea, Antarctica

An expanded Oligocene-Miocene boundary interval recovered in the Cape Roberts Project CRP-2A core from beneath the Ross Sea, Antarctica, has yielded a high-resolution integrated chrono stratigraphy that has, in turn, enabled a new, more direct, calibra tion of magnetic polarity and biostratigraphic events. The Oligocene-Miocene boundary interval in the CRP-2A core comprises three ∼60-m-thick, rapidly deposited (>0.5 m/k.y.) sedimentary sequences (sequences 9, 10, and 11). In sequences 10 and 11, single-crystal, laser-fusion 40Ar/39Ar analyses of anorthoclase phenocrysts from two tephra horizons independently calibrate the CRP-2A magnetic-polarity stratigraphy and age model. Sequences 10 and 11 encompass subchron C6Cn.3n, which is dated as 24.3 ± 0.1 to 24.16 ± 0.1 Ma. Sequence 9 is interpreted to encompass subchron C6Cn.2n and the Oligocene-Miocene boundary, which is dated as 24.0 ± 0.1 Ma. These ages are ∼0.2 m.y. older than those of the geomagnetic polarity time scale calibrated from seafloor-spreading ridges and ∼0.9–1.3 m.y. older than the newly proposed astronomically calibrated ages. We contend that the discrepancy with the astronomically calibrated ages arises from a mismatch of three 406 k.y. eccentricity cycles or a 1.2 m.y. modulation of obliquity amplitude in the astronomical calibration of the Oligocene–Miocene time scale.
Abnormal Hippocampal Neurochemistry in Smokers: Evidence From Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 3 T

Objective: In animals, nicotine, the primary psychoactive constituent of tobacco smoke, reduces neurogenesis and increases cell loss in both hippocampus and cortex. Accordingly, tobacco smoking has been linked to reduced performance on cognitive paradigms requiring attention and working memory in humans. However, few prior studies have tested for evidence of structural brain alterations in human tobacco smokers. In this study, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to assess the effects of chronic smoking on neuronal integrity of the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Methods: Absolute concentrations of N-acetylaspartate, total choline (tCho), and total creatine were measured in the left hippocampus and ACC in 13 chronic tobacco smokers and 13 nonsmokers matched for age, sex, and education. Results: The N-acetylaspartate concentration was significantly reduced in smokers relative to nonsmokers in the left hippocampus but not in the ACC. There were no group differences in the tCho and total creatine concentrations in either voxel. However, ACC tCho concentration was positively correlated with magnitude of lifetime exposure to tobacco smoke (pack-years). Conclusion: The results are consistent with prior observations of hippocampal neuronal damage in rodents receiving nicotine and working memory deficits in human tobacco smokers. The positive relationship between tCho and lifetime tobacco exposure suggests that a component of tobacco smoke, presumably nicotine, may increase cortical membrane turnover or modify cell density. Together, these results add to growing evidence that nicotine exerts neurotoxic effects in human brain, although an a priori nature of the findings cannot be ruled out.
DRB1*15 and DRB1*03 extended haplotype interaction in primary Sjögren's syndrome genetic susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a genetic component. Among the genetic factors, the role of HLA class II genes has been suggested and a positive association with DRB1*03 allele has been described. However, there is no consensus on a unique HLA locus for this disease nor on the role of the HLA gene product in the disease. The aim of this study was to analyse prospectively MHC region involvement in the genetic susceptibility to SS by studying DRB1, DQB1, DPB1, TAP1, TAP2 genes and TNF microsatellites in a population of 45 primary SS patients. METHODS All the polymorphisms studied were analysed at the genomic level using PCR-based methodologies. RESULTS Concerning HLA class II alleles, the highest relative risk to develop the disease was associated with the DRB1*15-DRB1*0301 heterozygous genotype (17.8% vs 3.5% in controls - pc < 0.005, OR = 5.96). Analysing other genes located on the same region allowed us to further determine the DRB1 haplotypes at risk. For instance, the DRB1*0301 haplotype involved in the genetic susceptibility to SS was more often associated with the DPB1* 0201 and TNF-a2 alleles in SS patients than in controls. Moreover, all the DRB1*15-DRB1*0301 SS patients were TAP1-0101, TAP2-0101 homozygous, allowing us to deduce the extended genotype at risk as DRB1*15, TAP1-0101, TAP2-0101/DRB1*0301, TAP1-0101, TAP2-0101 which was carried by only 3 controls out of the 130 tested (p < 0.01, OR = 6.68). CONCLUSION This study confirmed the role of the MHC region in the susceptibility to Sjögren's disease, and for the first time suggests a synergistic interaction between two HLA-DRB1 extended haplotypes in the genetic mechanisms controlling the disease.
Parameter identification of an autonomous quadrotor

This paper describes one of possible parameter identification approach for a quadrotor. The unknown parameter of the quadrotor will be identified using state estimation method with the implementation of Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). In the identification of state and parameter for nonlinear dynamic system, UKF has grown to be superior techniques. Two main processes highlighted in this paper are dynamic modeling of quadrotor and the implementation of UKF algorithm. The aim is to identify and estimate the needed parameters for an autonomous quadrotor. The obtained results demonstrate the performance of UKF based on the flight test applied to the quadrotor system.
(E)-Ethyl 2-cyano-3-(furan-2-yl)acrylate

There are two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C10H9NO3, in both of which, all non-H atoms except for the methyl C atom lie nearly in the same plane [maximum deviations = 0.094 (3) and 0.043 (2) Å]. In the crystal, each independent molecules is linked by pairs of C—H⋯O interactions, generating inversion dimers with R 2 2(10) ring motifs.
Why Do Professionals Disagree? The Case of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Coronary Heart Disease Prevention

ABSTRACT Why have professionals disagreed about whether midlife women should be advised to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD)? Because the evidence has been incomplete and could be interpreted differently by different professionals, the question with regard to HRT and CHD prevention thus is not “What does the evidence prove? ” but rather is “What are the decision rules by which research can be evaluated and made sense of? ” The present article attempts to clarify the problem by cataloging dimensions along which professionals differ. These dimensions include the weight to be given to epidemiological vs. clinical trial data; whether a conclusion has already been drawn based on available evidence; whether a theoretical rationale exists; whether a professional is oriented to clinical work or research; and whether data is distorted.
Fecal streptococci in frozen foods. I. A bacteriological survey of some commercially frozen foods.

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To be a true Muslim: online discussions on the headscarf among Moroccan-Dutch women

The headscarf (hijab) and its relation to Muslim identity and gender relations within Islam is a major topic of contention for Muslim women living in Western Europe. One aspect of this is that they have to present an acceptable religious identity vis-à-vis other Muslims. The present study uses membership categorization analysis to examine the membership categories and category-bound attributes used in Internet forum discussions on the headscarf among Moroccan-Dutch women. The analysis shows how the category of ‘true’ Muslim is linked to wearing the headscarf out of religious submission. Women who did not wear the headscarf produced accounts that emphasized personal conviction and religious engagement as additional defining attributes of a ‘true’ Muslim, or emphasized other activities or predicates as being critical for a Muslim female identity. With these accounts, these women negotiated the normative religious context on which categorization practices with fellow believers are based.
Isolation of Rhizobium phaseoli Tn5-induced mutants with altered expression of cytochrome terminal oxidases o and aa3

Two Rhizobium phaseoli mutants affected in cytochrome expression were obtained by Tn5-mob mutagenesis of the wild-type strain (CE3). Mutant strain CFN031 expressed sevenfold less cytochrome o in culture, expressed cytochrome aa3 under microaerophilic culture conditions, in contrast to strain CE3, and was affected in its vegetative growth properties and proliferation inside plant host cells. Mutant CFN037 expressed cytochrome aa3 under microaerophilic culture conditions, while bacteroid development and nitrogen fixation occurred earlier than in strain CE3.
Cultivation in vitro of cells derived from a human osteosarcoma

A cell line was derived from an osteosarcoma. Cells grew to high population density in liquid medium and formed colonies in agar medium. The cell line consisted of polygonal or fusiform cells resembling the cells of the original tumor. No collagen fibers or calcium apatite microcrystals could be demonstrated in the cultured cells by electron microscopy nor were virus particles detected. Isoenzyme studies of the cell line revealed the “B” band of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Chromosome studies of the cell line revealed a range of stem line number from 58 to 65; chromosome counts ranged from 47 to 183. Some cells had marker chromosome of varied morphology and some had minute chromosomes. Chromosome breaks were found in 30.5% of the cells.
Should Readmission Within 30 Days After Discharge of Children Hospitalized for a Neurologic Disorder Be Considered a Quality Assurance Failure?

The Affordable Care Act penalizes hospitals with high readmission rates. Children’s hospitals are not yet among these hospitals, although that is likely to change. Because chronic neurologic conditions represent a sizable proportion of all children’s hospitals costs, and because some/many of the readmissions might not be easily prevented, children’s hospitals and neurologists who care for children might be inappropriately penalized for some readmissions. We encourage more study to identify the correlates of readmission of children who have a neurologic disorder.
Sponsors, Sponsorship Rates and the Immigration Multiplier

This article reviews the evidence pertaining to the extent to which U.S. immigrants actually make use of the family reunification entitlements of United States immigration laws, examining the two available studies which are based on probability samples of immigrant entry cohorts. It then provides new estimates of the characteristics of the U.S. citizen sponsors of immigrant spouses and parents. The first study examined, the 1986 Jasso-Rosenzweig study of the FY 1971 immigrant cohort, suggests that the multiplier — the total number of immigrants brought in by one original immigrant — is far less than its potential size but is not trivial. The 1988 General Accounting Office (GAO) report based on the FY 1985 immigrant cohort indicates that 1) the propensity to sponsor new immigrants is substantially higher for immigrants than for native born citizens and that 2) immigrant sponsors of new immigrants tend to petition as soon as they are able to do so according to the law. With respect to the characteristics of sponsors, analysis of the information in the GAO report indicates that 80 percent of the persons who immigrated in FY 1985 as the spouses of U.S. citizens were sponsored by native born U.S. citizens. In contrast, native born U.S. citizens sponsored only five percent of the parent immigrants. Additional findings on the country of origin and sex of the sponsored immigrants are presented.