Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructure local effect for electromigration reliability improvement and Cu damascene lines design rules relaxation

Implication of microstructure during electromigration void formation process is studied in this paper. Dual damascene Cu lines with cathode end width variations are characterized. The idea of these variations being to force different microstructure profiles within the same test structure. The narrow-to-wide (NTW) width transition structure shows better electromigration performances than usual structure with a constant width (CW) along the line length. Bamboo Cu grains in the NTW structure wider segment are evidenced to slow down Cu atoms migration, inducing a local Blech's-like effect. This results in delayed void nucleation time and reduced void growth rate leading to increased lifetime. By this study, we show how great advantage can be taken on lifetime with this new design.
Physiological and toxicological effects of cefuroxime on the albino rabbit retina.

PURPOSE Intracameral cefuroxime was found to lower the risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retinal toxicity of cefuroxime in a rabbit model. METHODS Twenty-two albino rabbits were divided into two cefuroxime groups: low-dose (1mg/0.1 mL, n = 9) and high dose (10 mg/0.1 mL, n = 13). The right eye of each rabbit was injected with 0.1 mL cefuroxime solution (experimental eye) and the left eye with 0.1 mL saline (control eye). Electroretinogram (ERG) responses were recorded at 3 hours, 4 days, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after injection. After 4 weeks, the rabbits were euthanized, the eyes were enucleated, and the retinas were prepared for histologic evaluation and GFAP immunostaining. RESULTS No functional (ERG) or histologic damage was found in rabbits in the low-dose group. In the high-dose group, a significant decrease in the ERG amplitudes of the experimental eyes was seen 3 hours after injection, followed by partial recovery during 4 weeks of follow-up. Retinal histology of experimental eyes revealed marked damage. GFAP immunoreactivity in Müller cells was expressed in rabbits belonging to both groups, although it was more extensive in the high-dose group. CONCLUSIONS ERG and histologic findings indicated that a dose of 1 mg cefuroxime, administered intravitreally, was not toxic to the rabbit retina. A dose of 10 mg, injected intravitreally, induced transient physiological effects, and was toxic to the rabbit retina, as was evident by the permanent reduction in the ERG responses and by the structural damage to the retina with signs of glial activation.
A translocation causing increased α-Klotho level results in hypophosphatemic rickets and hyperparathyroidism

Phosphate homeostasis is central to diverse physiologic processes including energy homeostasis, formation of lipid bilayers, and bone formation. Reduced phosphate levels due to excessive renal loss cause hypophosphatemic rickets, a disease characterized by prominent bone defects; conversely, hyperphosphatemia, a major complication of renal failure, is accompanied by parathyroid hyperplasia, hyperparathyroidism, and osteodystrophy. Here, we define a syndrome featuring both hypophosphatemic rickets and hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid hyperplasia as well as other skeletal abnormalities. We show that this disease is due to a de novo translocation with a breakpoint adjacent to α-Klotho, which encodes a β-glucuronidase, and is implicated in aging and regulation of FGF signaling. Plasma α-Klotho levels and β-glucuronidase activity are markedly increased in the affected patient; unexpectedly, the circulating FGF23 level is also markedly elevated. These findings suggest that the elevated α-Klotho level mimics aspects of the normal response to hyperphosphatemia and implicate α-Klotho in the selective regulation of phosphate levels and in the regulation of parathyroid mass and function; they also have implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of renal osteodystrophy in patients with kidney failure.
Xerostomia, hyposalivation, and oral microbiota in type 2 diabetic patients: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Mouth dryness is one of the major problems that can lead to several oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis and oral infection. Mouth dryness has also been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia (feeling of mouth dryness), hyposalivation (the reduction of saliva), and oral microbiota in Thai patients with type 2 DM. MATERIAL AND METHOD One hundred and fifty-four ambulatory patients with type 2 DM and 50 non-diabetic control subjects were interviewed for symptoms of xerostomia. The medical records of these subjects were reviewed for pertinent medical history and laboratory investigations regarding their diabetic control. Oral examination and measurement of hyposalivation using a modified Schirmer test (MST) were performed The presence of oral microbial flora was investigated using a modified dip-slide test. RESULTS The prevalence of xerostomia was 62% in patients with type 2 DM compared with 36% in the nondiabetic control group (p = 0.001). The prevalence of hyposalivation (defined as MST values < or = 25 mm at 3 min) was 46% in the patient group, whereas only 28% of the control group had hyposalivation (p = 0.03). Patients with hyposalivation had significantly higher numbers of mutans streptococci, Lactobacillus spp. , and Candida spp. in the saliva compared with those without hyposalivation. CONCLUSION These results suggested that xerostomia and hyposalivation were prevalent in patients with type 2 DM and were associated with higher numbers of oral pathogens in the saliva.
Comparisons between autism spectrum disorders and anxiety disorders: Findings from a clinic sample in Singapore

The goals of the present study were to: (i) examine similarities and differences in behavioral/emotional problems manifested by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with anxiety disorder (ANX); (ii) test the ability of each of the eight child behavioral checklist (CBCL) and teacher report form (TRF) syndrome scales to differentiate the ASD group from the ANX group; and (iii) test the ability of an ASD scale derived by Ooi et al. to differentiate the ASD group from the ANX group.
Involvement of Androgen Receptor in 17β-Estradiol-Induced Cell Proliferation in Rat Uterus1

Abstract Although it is known that, in the uterus, estrogen receptor α (ERα) is involved in proliferation and progesterone receptor in differentiation, the role of the two other gonadal-hormone receptors expressed in the uterus, androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ), remains undefined. In this study, the involvement of AR in 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced cellular proliferation in the immature rat uterus was investigated. AR levels were low in the untreated immature uterus, but 24 h after treatment of rats with E2, there was an increase in the levels of AR and of two androgen-regulated genes, IGF-I and Crisp (cysteine-rich secretory protein). As expected, E2 induced proliferation of luminal epithelial cells. These actions of E2 were all blocked by both the antiestrogen tamoxifen and the antiandrogen flutamide. The E2-induced AR was found by immunohistochemistry to be localized exclusively in the stroma, mainly in the myometrium, where it colocalized with ERα but not with ERβ. ERβ, detected with two different ERβ-specific antibodies, was expressed in both stromal and epithelial cells either alone or together with ERα. Treatment with E2 caused down-regulation of ERα and ERβ in the epithelium. The data suggest that, in E2-induced epithelial cell proliferation, ERα induces stromal AR and AR amplifies the ERα signal by induction of IGF-I. Because AR is never expressed in cells with ERβ, it is unlikely that ERβ signaling is involved in this pathway. These results indicate an important role for AR in proliferation of the uterus, where estrogen and androgen do not represent separate pathways but are sequential steps in one pathway.
Change in incidence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Denmark. A study based on the National Registry of Patients, 1981-1992.

BACKGROUND The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Denmark is considered to be among the highest in Europe. However, the diseases are relatively rare and therefore it would be useful if existing registers could replace ad hoc examination in the surveillance of IBD. METHODS The present study used the Danish National Registry of Patients to estimate incidence rates, 1981-1992. RESULTS A total of 2806 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 8125 with ulcerative colitis (UC) were identified. The mean incidence for CD was 4.6 (5.4 for women and 3.7 for men) per 100,000 per year, with a peak incidence in younger women. The incidence increased in most age groups with the highest increase in older women. The mean incidence for UC was 13.2 (13.4 for women and 13.0 for men) per 100,000 per year, with the highest incidence in older men. A decreasing tendency in the incidence was present in most age groups. CONCLUSIONS The present study found an increasing incidence for CD and a stable incidence with a tendency to decrease for UC. Comparison with ad hoc studies indicates that it is possible to use the Danish National Registry of Patients in the surveillance of IBD, especially for CD.
Synthesis, characterization, and immunologic properties of detoxified lipooligosaccharide from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae conjugated to proteins

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is an important cause of otitis media in children and of pneumonitis in adults with depressed resistance. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is a major surface antigen of NTHi and elicits bactericidal and opsonic antibodies. We prepared detoxified LOS (dLOS) protein conjugates from NTHi for use as experimental vaccines. LOS from NTHi 9274 was treated with anhydrous hydrazine and had its toxicity reduced to clinically acceptable levels. dLOS was bound to tetanus toxoid (TT) or high- molecular-weight proteins (HMPs) from NTHi through a linker of adipic acid dihydrazide to form dLOS-TT or dLOS-HMP. The molar ratio of the dLOS to protein carriers ranged from 26:1 to 50:1. The antigenicity of the conjugates was similar to that of the LOS alone as determined by double immunodiffusion. Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of the conjugates elicited a 28- to 486-fold rise in the level of immunoglobulin G antibodies in mice to the homologous LOS after two or three injections and a 169- to 243-fold rise in the level of immunoglobulin G antibodies in rabbits after two injections. The immunogenicity of the conjugates in mice and rabbits was enhanced by formulation with monophosphoryl lipid A plus trehalose dimycolate. In rabbits, conjugate-induced LOS antibodies induced complement-mediated bactericidal activity against the homologous strain 9274 and prototype strain 3189. These results indicate that a detoxified LOS-protein conjugate is a candidate vaccine for otitis media and pneumonitis caused by NTHi.
Design of a dual-notched ultra-wideband (UWB) planar antenna using L-shaped bandstop resonator

In this paper, a novel ultra-wideband (UWB) printed circuit board antenna with dual band-notched characteristics is presented. The antenna consists of a circular patch with two pairs of the L-resonator. To realize the notch characteristics in WLAN at 5.2 GHz (5.15–5.35 GHz) and 5.8 GHz (5.725–5.875 GHz) bands, the half wavelength of L-resonator is introduced in the radiating patch. The T-shape notch is etched in the ground plane to enhance the bandwidth which covers the resonant frequency range from 3.048–10.561 GHz. The effects of L-resonator on the band-notched characteristics are also investigated. The proposed antenna with band-notches shows good impedance matching for the simulated in the physical layout. Furthermore, the proposed antenna has a compact size of 29 × 40 mm2. This proposed design can provides an alternative solution for the UWB wireless system in the designing of a band-notched antenna with a very good notch band.
Hollow stems for higher micromechanical disk resonator quality factor

The use of hollow support stems to reduce energy loss to the substrate while supporting all-polysilicon UHF micromechanical disk resonators has enabled quality factors as high as 56,061 at 329 MHz and 93,231 at 178 MHz - values now in the same range as previous disk resonators employing multiple materials with more complex fabrication processes. With a substantially smaller cross-sectional area compared with the full stems used by predecessors, the hollow stem of this work effectively squeezes the energy conduit between the disk structure and the substrate, thereby suppressing energy loss and maximizing Q for devices operating in radial-contour and whispering gallery modes. Measurements confirm Q enhancements of 2.6× for contour modes at 154 MHz and 2.9× for wine glass modes around 112 MHz over values previously achieved by full stem all-polysilicon disk resonators with identical dimensions. The measured results not only demonstrate an effective Q-enhancement method with minimal increase in fabrication complexity, but also provide insights into anchor loss mechanisms that have been largely responsible for limiting the Q's attainable by all-polysilicon capacitively-transduced MEMS resonators.
The EBC TWO Study (European Bifurcation Coronary TWO): A Randomized Comparison of Provisional T-Stenting Versus a Systematic 2 Stent Culotte Strategy in Large Caliber True Bifurcations

Background—For the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions, a provisional strategy is superior to systematic 2-stent techniques for the most bifurcation lesions. However, complex anatomies with large side branches (SBs) with significant ostial disease length are considered by expert consensus to warrant a 2-stent technique upfront. This consensus view has not been scientifically assessed. Methods and Results—Symptomatic patients with large caliber true bifurcation lesions (SB diameter ≥2.5 mm) and significant ostial disease length (≥5 mm) were randomized to either a provisional T-stent strategy or a dual stent culotte technique. Two hundred patients aged 64±10 years, 82% male, were randomized in 20 European centers. The clinical presentations were stable coronary disease (69%) and acute coronary syndromes (31%). SB stent diameter (2.67±0.27 mm) and length (20.30±5.89 mm) confirmed the extent of SB disease. Procedural success (provisional 97%, culotte 94%) and kissing balloon inflation (provisional 95%, culotte 98%) were high. Sixteen percent of patients in the provisional group underwent T-stenting. The primary end point (a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at 12 months) occurred in 7.7% of the provisional T-stent group versus 10.3% of the culotte group (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.34; P=0.53). Procedure time, x-ray dose, and cost all favored the simpler procedure. Conclusions—When treating complex coronary bifurcation lesions with large stenosed SBs, there is no difference between a provisional T-stent strategy and a systematic 2-stent culotte strategy in a composite end point of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at 12 months. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT 01560455.
Angiogenesis and its hormonal control in the corpus luteum of the pregnant rat.

Beginning on Day 8 of pregnancy (Day 1 = sperm in vaginal smear), rats were injected i.p. with [3H] thymidine (TDR), killed 3 h later, and corpora lutea (CL) were dissected and saved for determining radioactivity in the acid-insoluble fraction or for autoradiography to determine labeling index (LI) of luteal and endothelial cells. An approximate doubling in DNA content in CL occurred between Days 13 and 14, with a high level maintained through Day 23. This was reflected in an abrupt increase in [3H] TDR incorporation on Day 13, with the peak reached on Day 14 and a subsequent decline to baseline values on Day 18. Autoradiography revealed that the LI of luteal endothelial cells rose from 2.1% on Day 12 to 10.0% on Day 14, and the LI of luteal cells correspondingly increased from 0.3% to 2.3%. Hypophysectomy (H) on Day 12 resulted, by Day 14, in no change in serum progesterone (P4) and TDR incorporation and LI of endothelial cells. However, after H and hysterectomy (HS) on Day 12, by Day 14, animals had low values for LI of endothelial and luteal cells, [3H] TDR incorporation and serum P4. After H + HS at Day 12, animals injected daily with estradiol cyclopentylpropionate (200 micrograms/day) on Days 12-14 had serum P4, [3H] TDR incorporation and LI of endothelial cells comparable to intact controls but not to luteal cells. However, similar treatment with testosterone cypionate (200 micrograms/day) or P4 (10 mg/day) did not maintain [3H] TDR incorporation or LI of either cell type, although serum P4 and estradiol levels were restored to normal values. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Contributions of the Video-Assisted Approach to Thyroid and Parathyroid surgery

Abstract Background: The authors report their initial experience with partial and total thyroidectomy, and neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism using the video-assisted approach. Patients and methods: Between June 1999 and March 2001, 114 patients underwent a thyroid (n = 57) or parathyroid (n = 57) operation using a video-assisted cervical approach. Video-assisted neck exploration was conducted in all cases under general anaesthesia leading to a partial or total thyroidectomy, and to a selective adenoma removal in PHPT or to a subtotal parathyroid resection in SHPT. Results: In the thyroid group: the mean cranio-caudal and transversal diameter of the resected specimen were respectively 4.9 ± 0.9 and 2.8 ± 0.6 cm, and mean total lobar weight was 11.7 ± 5.8g. Conversion to conventional surgery was required in 5 patients (8,8%). The mean operative time was 133,9 ± 26,9 and 86,5 ± 22,5 minutes for total and partial thyroidectomy respectively. The laryngeal nerve was identified in 96% of cases. The mean length of skin incision was 24.0 ± 2 mm. There were 3 cases of postoperative hypocalcemia, and 2 cases of postoperative hoarseness. The postoperative hospital stay was less than 24 hours for 72.7% of patients. The pain intensity at day one (VAS) was 2.1 ± 1.3. In the parathyroid group: seven of the 44 patients who underwent PHPT (15.9%) and 4 of the 13 patients who underwent surgery for SHPT (30.8%) were converted to a conventional surgical technique. The mean operative time in PHPT and SHPT was 47.3 ± 22.3 minutes and 136.8 ± 18.7 minutes, respectively. Recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified in 53.1% of the patients. The median diameter and weight of the resected parathyroid glands were 1.5 cm (range 0.8–2.7) and 0,9 g (range 0.5–7), respectively. The length of skin incision was 24 ± 2mm. All but 2 patients are currently cured. Postoperative complications included hematoma and transient hoarseness each in one patient (1.75%). The median pain intensity at day one (VAS) was 0.5 (range: 0 to 3.6). In the PHPT group, the postoperative hospital stay was less than 24 hours for 56.7% of the patients, and less than 48 hours for 91.9% of them. Conclusion: The video-assisted approach for thyroid and parathyroid surgery is feasible, safe and effective in selected cases. Benefits for the patients should be further assessed in future prospective comparative trials.
The use of complementary and alternative therapies by cancer patients in northern Israel.

BACKGROUND The use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased over the last decade in the western world. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the extent and characteristics of CAM use among cancer patients in northern Israel. METHODS Telephone interviews were conducted with 2,176 newly registered cancer patients or their family members, at least 1 year following referral. RESULTS The rates of CAM use varied significantly according to demographic characteristics and chemotherapy treatment, from 3% in the basically educated elderly group up to 69% of educated Israeli-born Jews younger than 70 years receiving chemotherapy. The overall rate of CAM use was 17%. The most influential factors determining CAM use were academic or high school education, chemotherapy treatment, Israel as country of birth, and age 41-50 years. All patients used CAM in addition to conventional therapies. Less than half of them reported it to their physicians. The most frequently used treatments were various chemical, biological, botanic and homeopathy remedies. Friends and relatives were the main recommenders of CAM. Most CAM users reported that they used CAM because they believed it "strengthens the immune system," alleviates side effects of chemotherapy, improves quality of life, and helps to overcome pain and stress; 62% of them reported subjective beneficial effects. CONCLUSIONS A predicting module of CAM user patients was built that may help physicians initiate conversations with their patients on CAM use. Expanding physicians' knowledge on CAM methods will encourage them to provide additional advice, promote the use of beneficial therapies, and inform patients about potentially harmful methods.
The Dependence of the High-Frequency Performance of Graphene Field-Effect Transistors on Channel Transport Properties

This paper addresses the high-frequency performance limitations of graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) caused by material imperfections. To understand these limitations, we performed a comprehensive study of the relationship between the quality of graphene and surrounding materials and the high-frequency performance of GFETs fabricated on a silicon chip. We measured the transit frequency (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f} _{\mathrm{ T}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and the maximum frequency of oscillation (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f} _{\max }$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) for a set of GFETs across the chip, and as a measure of the material quality, we chose low-field carrier mobility. The low-field mobility varied across the chip from 600 cm<sup>2</sup>/Vs to 2000 cm<sup>2</sup>/Vs, while the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f} _{\mathrm{ T}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f} _{\max }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> frequencies varied from 20 GHz to 37 GHz. The relationship between these frequencies and the low-field mobility was observed experimentally and explained using a methodology based on a small-signal equivalent circuit model with parameters extracted from the drain resistance model and the charge-carrier velocity saturation model. Sensitivity analysis clarified the effects of equivalent-circuit parameters on the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f} _{\mathrm{ T}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${f} _{\max }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> frequencies. To improve the GFET high-frequency performance, the transconductance was the most critical parameter, which could be improved by increasing the charge-carrier saturation velocity by selecting adjacent dielectric materials with optical phonon energies higher than that of SiO<sub>2</sub>.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION USING A GRASPING‐TYPE SCISSORS FORCEPS FOR EARLY GASTRIC CANCERS AND ADENOMAS

Aim: To reduce the risk of complications related to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using knives, we developed a new grasping‐type scissors forceps (GSF) that can grasp and incise the target tissue using electrosurgical current. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD using GSF for the removal of early gastric cancers and adenomas.