Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Ferroelectric Thin Film Transistor Based on Annealing-Free HfZrO Film

A ferroelectric thin film transistor (Fe-TFT) based on annealing-free hafnium zirconium oxide (HfZrO) is demonstrated in this paper. Indium zinc oxide was used as channel semiconductor. The as-deposited 30-nm HfZrO film implemented as gate dielectric was proved to be crystallized with a mixture of monoclinic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic phases and showed ferroelectricity naturally. Thus, high temperature annealing process was avoided. The transfer characteristic of this Fe-TFT was demonstrated with operating voltage that was smaller than 3 V, memory window about 1 V, and small subthreshold slope (SS) about 82 mV/dec. The charge trapping phenomenon in this device was explored by characterizing the transfer curves with different ranges of gate voltages. This HfZrO-based device with low processing thermal budget and small SS has high potential for Fe-TFT memory which can be used in oxide semiconductor-based systems and applications.
Mayo's Older African Americans Normative Studies: Normative Data for Commonly Used Clinical Neuropsychological Measures

ABSTRACT This report describes the methodology and sample characteristics of Mayo's Older African Americans Normative Studies (MOAANS). These studies reflect a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort by investigators at Mayo Clinic to provide age-appropriate normative data for African American elders on commonly used neuropsychological tests. A sample of 309 community-dwelling individuals over age 55 contributed to the MOAANS sample. Norms were calculated for midpoint age groups, based on percentile scores derived from cumulative frequencies of raw test scores. Demographic, medical, and sociocultural data were also collected, and are summarized to assist clinicians in making determinations regarding the appropriateness of these norms for individual patients. In most cases, the use of MOAANS norms should improve diagnostic accuracy in dementia evaluations of African American elders.
The influence of genetic polymorphisms in XRCC3 and ADH5 genes on the frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers in workers exposed to formaldehyde

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans because there is “sufficient epidemiological evidence that it causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans”. Genes involved in DNA repair and maintenance of genome integrity are critically involved in protecting against mutations that lead to cancer and/or inherited genetic disease. Association studies have recently provided evidence for a link between DNA repair polymorphisms and micronucleus (MN) induction. We used the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN assay) in peripheral lymphocytes and MN test in buccal cells to investigate the effects of XRCC3 Thr241Met, ADH5 Val309Ile, and Asp353Glu polymorphisms on the frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers in individuals occupationally exposed to formaldehyde (n = 54) and unexposed workers (n = 82). XRCC3 participates in DNA double‐strand break/recombination repair, while ADH5 is an important component of cellular metabolism for the elimination of formaldehyde. Exposed workers had significantly higher frequencies (P < 0.01) than controls for all genotoxicity biomarkers evaluated in this study. Moreover, there were significant associations between XRCC3 genotypes and nuclear buds, namely XRCC3 Met/Met (OR = 3.975, CI 1.053–14.998, P = 0.042) and XRCC3 Thr/Met (OR = 5.632, CI 1.673–18.961, P = 0.005) in comparison with XRCC3 Thr/Thr. ADH5 polymorphisms did not show significant effects. This study highlights the importance of integrating genotoxicity biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms in human biomonitoring studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:213–221, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catecholamine uptake, melanization, and oxygen toxicity in Cryptococcus neoformans

Oxygen sensitivity mutations of Cryptococcus neoformans were mapped to three genetic loci. Three oxygen-sensitive mutants had mutations that appeared allelic and exhibited albinism tightly linked to oxygen sensitivity; these three and a fourth exhibited defects in catechol uptake and catechol oxidation to melanin. Catecholamine metabolism appears to protect C. neoformans from oxidants.
Studies on cross protection induced in calves by rotaviruses of calves, children and foals

Inoculation at birth with a live attenuated strain of a bovine rotavirus isolated in the USA (scourvax-reo) induced protection in five gnotobiotic calves seven to 21 days later against a UK isolate of pathogenic bovine rotavirus. However, no protection was induced in three calves challenged three to five days after vaccination. There was a close antigenic relationship demonstrated between the two bovine rotavirus isolates. In contrast only one of three gnotobiotic calves inoculated with foal rotavirus, and one of three with human rotavirus, were protected against bovine rotavirus challenge. Protection in these two calves correlated with high heterologous immunofluorescent antibody titre (320 or greater), although the neutralising antibody titres was less than 20.
Monitoring of Gas Emboli During Hysteroscopic Surgery: A Prospective Study

Previous studies have demonstrated a high frequency of gas emboli during hysteroscopy, but guidelines for the prevention, early detection, and intervention of gas embolism during hysteroscopic procedures are still lacking. This study aimed to gain a clearer understanding of risk factors and specific signs and symptoms associated with gas emboli.
Visualizing a Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor typing bacteriophage belonging to the Myoviridae group and the packaging of its genomic ends inside the phage capsid

Phage D10, an O1 El Tor tying vibriophage, has been successfully employed to tract the outspread of cholera epidemic. Using Transmission Electron Microscopy and computational image analysis, we have determined the structures of the capsid, head-to-tail connector, the contractile helical tail, the baseplate and combined them to form the complete three-dimensional (3D) D10 phage structure. Using partial denaturation experiments on the genome and using the computed 3D structure of the phage, we have established the packing of the genome ends inside the capsid together with the release styles during the phage infection, respectively. Finally, using the 3D density maps of the different components of the D10 phage, we have presented a simplified picture of morphogenesis of the D10 vibriophage. Using the complete assembled structure of the D10 phage, we have traced the path of the phage genome during the infection process, all the way from the phage head down the tail tube of the tail to the top of the baseplate. To the best of our knowledge, this is first structural study for a long-tailed vibriophage. We have tabulated the structural features of the different components of the phages belonging to the Myoviridae and Siphoviridae. The comparative study suggested the possibility of a common origin of the bacteriophages, irrespective of belonging to different groups and species.
Type-B-IIIa Hip Rotationplasty: An Alternative Operation for the Treatment of Malignant Tumors of the Femur in Early Childhood*

Background: The biological plasticity of the cartilaginous proximal part of the tibia in children makes it possible to use the tibia to reconstruct the lower extremity after excision of a sarcoma of the thigh. A type-B-IIIa rotationplasty is an alternative to prosthetic replacement in very young children who have a malignant tumor of the femur that requires extensive resection. Methods: A type-B-IIIa rotationplasty was done in eight patients who had a femoral tumor: four had a Ewing sarcoma; three, an osteosarcoma; and one, a primitive neuroectodermal tumor. The ages ranged from two years and eight months to ten years and six months at the time of the procedure. Results: All eight patients were able to bear full weight and had a good range of motion of the hip joint at a median of five years and one month (range, two years and four months to eight years) postoperatively. They also were able to participate in sports activities. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging studies confirmed that the lateral part of the tibial plateau had remodeled to form a structure that resembled a developing femoral head. Seven patients were operated on only once, and a second hospital stay was not necessary. The remaining patient had a prolonged hospitalization for revision of the wound. Conclusions: As an alternative to amputation or an extendable tumor prosthesis, a type-B-IIIa rotationplasty offers not only a better functional result but also biological reconstruction. Placement of the cartilaginous head of the tibia into the acetabulum permits development of a new femoral head. Thus, not only is the foot preserved as a functional knee joint but a newly formed hip joint develops as well.
ALK+, CD30−, CD20− Large B-Cell Lymphoma Containing Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Fused to Clathrin Heavy Chain Gene (CLTC)

Pathological features and genomic basis of a rare case of ALK+, CD30−, CD20− large B-cell lymphoma were analyzed. A 36-year-old Japanese female was admitted because of lumbago and constitutional symptoms. Physical examination and laboratory tests showed anemia (hemoglobin, 7.5 g/dL), mild hepatosplenomegaly, and immunoglobin G (IgG) λ-type monoclonal gammopathy (IgG, 2782 mg/dL). The lymphoma spread exclusively in extranodal sites such as bone marrow, liver, spleen, ovary, and muscle. Biopsy specimens obtained from the ovary showed monomorphic proliferation of large immunoblastic cells with basophilic cytoplasm, round-shaped nuclei with a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, and prominent single nucleolus. Immunostaining with anti-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) antibody, ALK1, showed finely granular cytoplasmic staining pattern. These cells were also positive for epithelial membrane antigen, CD4, CD19, CD38, CD138, cytoplasmic IgG, and λ chain, but negative for CD30 (Ber-H2), CD56, CD57, and other T- and B-cell markers. Southern blot analyses revealed that Ig heavy and λ light chain genes, but not T-cell receptor (TCR) β gene, were clonally rearranged. Chromosomal analyses by conventional G-banding, spectral karyotyping, and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed complex abnormality involving 2p23, and chromosome 2 was translocated to chromosome 17. As 2;17 translocation resulting in the fusion of clathrin heavy chain (CLTC) gene with ALK was previously reported in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, we performed reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and demonstrated that the lymphoma cells contained CLTC-ALK fusion transcript. Under the diagnosis of ALK+, CD30−, CD20− large B-cell lymphoma, she was treated with conventional combination chemotherapies. However, the lymphoma was primarily chemotherapy resistant, and the patient died 11 months after admission. We consider that this case confirms the existence of ALK+, CD30−, CD20− large B-cell lymphomas proposed by Delsol et al. (16) and further provides relevant information regarding their clinicopathological features and cytogenetics.
H2O2-triggered Retrograde Signaling from Chloroplasts to Nucleus Plays Specific Role in Response to Stress*

Background: Detailed insight into the role of chloroplastic H2O2 in cell signaling is necessary. Results: A large change in gene expression occurred in response to chloroplastic H2O2, resulting in positive and negative effects on the response to stresses. Conclusion: Chloroplastic H2O2 regulates abiotic and biotic stress response. Significance: We provided a new insight into the role of chloroplastic H2O2 in stress response. Recent findings have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules for regulating plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress and that there exist source- and kind-specific pathways for ROS signaling. In plant cells, a major source of ROS is chloroplasts, in which thylakoid membrane-bound ascorbate peroxidase (tAPX) plays a role in the regulation of H2O2 levels. Here, to clarify the signaling function of H2O2 derived from the chloroplast, we created a conditional system for producing H2O2 in the organelle by chemical-dependent tAPX silencing using estrogen-inducible RNAi. When the expression of tAPX was silenced in leaves, levels of oxidized protein in chloroplasts increased in the absence of stress. Microarray analysis revealed that tAPX silencing affects the expression of a large set of genes, some of which are involved in the response to chilling and pathogens. In response to tAPX silencing, the transcript levels of C-repeat/DRE binding factor (CBF1), a central regulator for cold acclimation, was suppressed, resulting in a high sensitivity of tAPX-silenced plants to cold. Furthermore, tAPX silencing enhanced the levels of salicylic acid (SA) and the response to SA. Interestingly, we found that tAPX silencing-responsive genes were up- or down-regulated by high light (HL) and that tAPX silencing had a negative effect on expression of ROS-responsive genes under HL, suggesting synergistic and antagonistic roles of chloroplastic H2O2 in HL response. These findings provide a new insight into the role of H2O2-triggered retrograde signaling from chloroplasts in the response to stress in planta.
Clinical relevance of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms to predict risk of mechanical ventilation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery*

ObjectiveProlonged mechanical ventilation is a significant complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Angiotensin-converting enzyme mediates ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is an important mechanism of postcoronary artery bypass graft complications. An insertion/deletion polymorphism within the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is associated with variable concentrations of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Whether this polymorphism is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation is not known. The primary objective was to determine whether the insertion/deletion angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The release of inflammatory mediators and risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation are higher after conventional coronary artery bypass graft compared with off-pump coronary artery bypass graft. Therefore, we examined the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation for angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes in patients undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass graft and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft separately. Tumor necrosis factor down-regulates angiotensin-converting enzyme concentrations, and functional polymorphisms within the tumor necrosis factor gene have been associated previously with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Therefore, we examined interactions between these polymorphisms. DesignProspective observational cohort study. SettingTertiary care center. SubjectsPatients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (with or without valve replacement surgery). InterventionsNone. Measurements and Main ResultsWe measured angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype and time to extubate. Patients with the DD and DI genotypes were at higher risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation compared with those with the II genotypes (hazard ratio = 2.2 and 1.6, respectively, p = .0005). Interactions were seen between the angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes with surgical technique and with tumor necrosis factor-308/lymphotoxin + 250 GG haplotype for prolonged mechanical ventilation (p = .078 and .0003, respectively). The association was stronger for those undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass graft, whereas neither angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype conferred higher risk to those undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft. ConclusionsAngiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms are associated with respiratory complications postcardiopulmonary bypass. The increased risk associated with genotype may be amenable to alternative surgical technique or pharmacologic manipulation.
Effects of knee simulator loading and alignment variability on predicted implant mechanics: A probabilistic study

Inherent variability in total knee arthroplasty loading and alignment, present in vivo and in simulator testing, may ultimately influence polyethylene tibial insert wear and long‐term performance. The effect of this variability was quantified on implant kinematics and contact mechanics during simulated gait loading conditions using semi‐constrained and unconstrained fixed bearing, cruciate retaining implants. A probabilistic finite element model of the Stanmore knee wear simulator was utilized to estimate the envelope of anterior–posterior (AP) and internal–external (IE) position and contact pressure and to evaluate the variability in corresponding ranges of motion (ROM). Variability levels were represented by standard deviations of up to 10% of the maximum value for load inputs and 0.25 mm and 0.5° for component alignment inputs. Model predictions compared well with experimental simulator results for the semi‐constrained implant, with predicted positional envelopes of up to 1.8 mm (AP) an 3.4° (IE) for the semi‐constrained and upto 2.6 mm (AP) and 3.7° (IE) for the unconstrained implant at the variability levels evaluated. ROM varied by up to 22%, while peak contact pressure variations averaged less than 2 MPa for both designs. For each implant, loading variability was more influential during the swing phase of gait, while alignment variability affected kinematics more during stance. The relative rank of sensitivities showed differences between the two designs, providing insight into critical parameters affecting kinematics and contact characteristics. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Alcohol consumption as a major risk factor in the development of early esophageal cancer in patients with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE To clarify the incidence of concomitant esophageal cancers in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), and to investigate which risk factors are responsible for this association. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1994 to 2000, 134 patients with HNC underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using the 0.8% Lugol stain method to detect esophageal cancer. A case-control study was designed to compare HNC patients with and without esophageal cancer. Logistic-regression analysis was used to obtain odds ratios of risk factors. RESULTS Out of 134 patients with HNC, Lugol unstained area was detected in 42 patients. Biopsy specimens revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 17 (12.7%), dysplasia in 9 patients (6.6%), and normal in the others. Gastric carcinoma was also detected in 7 patients (5.2%). The estimated depth of cancer invasion was mucosa in 9 patients, submucosa in 5 patients, and proper muscle or deeper in 3 patients. In the results of statistical analysis, high alcohol consumption of more than 75 g per day increased the risk of esophageal cancer (odds ratio: 20.2, p<0.01). Intake of hard liquor showed a high odds ratio (whisky: 28.7, p<0.05, shochu: 12.7, p<0.05). The amount of cigarette smoking was not related to this association. CONCLUSION High incidence of esophageal cancer was found in the patients with HNC. A high alcohol consumption level, and in particular hard liquor, participated in the development of esophageal cancer in the patients with HNC. But cigarette smoking was not related to this association.
Rapid modulation of the n-3 docosahexaenoic acid levels in the brain and retina of the newly hatched chick.

The newly hatched chick obtains its fatty acids almost completely from the lipids of the egg yolk as these are transferred to the developing embryo during its 21-day period of incubation. Since the diet of the laying hen greatly influences the fatty acid composition of the egg lipids, and presumably also the fatty acid composition of the resulting chick, we tested how quickly and to what extent varying the amount of n-3 fatty acids in the diet of the hen would modulate the level of n-3 fatty acids in the brain and retina of the newly hatched chick. White Leghorn hens were fed commercial or semi-purified diets supplemented with 10% fish oil, linseed oil, soy oil, or safflower oil. Eggs, together with the brain, retina, and serum of newly hatched chicks, were then analyzed for fatty acid composition. The fatty acids of egg yolk responded quickly to the hen's diet with most of the change occurring by 4 weeks. There was a linear relationship between the linolenic acid content of the diets and levels of this fatty acid in egg yolk and chick serum. In chicks from hens fed the fish oil diet, the total n-3 fatty acids, including 22:6(n-3), were elevated twofold in the brain and retina and sevenfold in serum relative to commercial diet controls. The safflower oil diet led to a very low n-3 fatty acid content in egg yolks and only 25% of the control n-3 fatty acid content in the brain and retina of chicks. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Impacts of Salmonella enteritidis infection on liver transcriptome in broilers

Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis is an enteric bacterium that can contaminate chicken eggs and meat, resulting in production losses and consumer illness. To provide insight into the systemic metabolic effects of S. enteritidis infection, liver samples were harvested 10‐days postinfection from broiler hens. Hepatic global gene expression levels were assessed using a chicken 44K Agilent microarray. Forty‐four genes were differentially expressed at a significance level of q value < 0.05. One hundred eighty‐three genes were differentially expressed at a suggestive significance level of q value < 0.1. A predominance of downregulation existed among significantly differentially expressed genes. Cell cycle and metabolism networks were created from the differentially expressed genes. Mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis, electron transport, peptidase activity, vein constriction, cell differentiation, IL‐2 signaling, Jak‐Stat signaling, B‐cell receptor signaling, GDP/GTP exchange, and protein recycling were among the functions of the differentially expressed genes that were down‐regulated in response to S. enteritidis. The effects of S. enteritidis infection on the liver transcriptome profiles of broilers reflect a predominance of downregulation of genes with cell cycle and metabolic functions. The most pronounced response was the downregulation of genes that function in metabolic pathways, inflammation, and mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis. These results provide insight into important systemic metabolic mechanisms that are active in the chicken liver in response to S. enteritidis infection at 10‐days postinfection. genesis 51:357–364, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dielectrophoretic manipulation and solubility of protein nanofibrils formed from crude crystallins

Protein nanofibrils and nanotubes are now widely accepted as having potential for use in the field of bionanotechnology. For this to be a feasible alternative to existing technologies, there is a need for a commercially viable source. Previous work has identified amyloid fibrils formed from crude crystallin proteins as such a source, since these fibrils can be produced in large quantities at a low cost. Applications include use of fibrils as templates for the formation of nanowires or as biosensing scaffolds. There remains a number of practical considerations, such as stability and the ability to control their arrangement. In this study, crude crystallin amyloid fibrils are shown to be stable in a range of biological and clean room solvents, with the fibril presence confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and the thioflavin T fluorescent assay. The fibrils were also immobilised between microelectrodes using dielectrophoresis, which enabled the recording of I–V curves for small numbers of fibrils. This investigation showed the fibrils to have low conductivity, with current values in the range of 10−10 A recorded. This low conductivity could be increased through modification, or alternately, the fibrils could be used unmodified for applications where they can act as templates or high surface area nanoscaffolds.