Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Understanding of Gate-Depletion Phenomena in Poly-Si/HfSiON Stacks Based on $C$–$V$ Differentiation Analysis

We propose sub-1-A-resolution analysis of gate surface layer In scaled-Tinv (capacitance equivalent thickness at substrate inversion) gate stacks by differentiating their C-V curves. By introducing the universal derivative-of-capacitance curve, gate stacks with different equivalent oxide thickness of gate insulator and substrate-impurity concentration JVSub can be analyzed in one and the same plot. By applying this analysis technique to p+ poly-Si/HfSiON stack, it is found that gate depletion increases due to both lower poly impurity concentration Npoly and high pinning charge density Nox inside the dielectric. Ultrathin SiN cap insertion onto HfSiON recovers the degradation in Npoly and Nox leading to suppression of gate depletion and flatband voltage shift.
STATUS OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN THE COTTON BOLLWORM, HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (HUBNER)

The status of insecticide resistance in some fi eld populations of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) from the main cotton growing regions of central and south India was determined during the cropping seasons of 2001-2005. Seven insecticides viz. endosulfan, methomyl, monocrotophos, quinalphos, chlorpyriphos, fenvalerate and cypermethrin were tested against second-, third- and fi fth-instar Helicoverpa armigera larvae. Dose-mortality regressions, LD 50 s and their fi ducial limits were computed by probit analysis. Resistance factors (RF) were estimated at the LD 50 level as RF=LD 50 fi eld strain/LD 50 susceptible strain. The Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) exhibited widespread resistance (RF=48-919) to cypermethrin. Insecticide resistance to chlorpyriphos was low to moderate in the majority of the strains tested. A substantial inter-strain variation in insecticide resistance was evident.
Approach towards development of a radioprotector using herbal source against lethal irradiation

Ionizing radiation transfuses deleterious effects in biological systems. Radiation exposures could be accidental or intended. Efforts for the development of a safe radioprotector have been going over many decades. Several chemical and synthetic compounds have been evaluated to meet the need, however, associated toxicity with useful doses has precluded their use from bench to bed. Presence of number of secondary metabolites, working in synergism with minimum toxicity, besides, the potential remedial source used against illness during ancient days, has compelled scientific community to exploit herbal resource for the development of a radioprotector. Published literature conveys that plants are under extensive screening for their radioprotective potentials. However, lack of a systematic approach has confined this endeavor to books and journals only. Sincere efforts have been put in the current review to explain a methodical approach for development of radioprotector from herbs. Based on thorough study, all possible steps i.e. understanding the concept of radioprotection, selection of plant species, taxonomical identification, extraction and fractionation, preservation, chemical characterization, efficacy using various model systems, toxicity and finally care to meet all regulatory requirement for development of a safe radioprotector are discussed here.
Plasma Homocysteine is Associated with Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetic Patients in the Absence of Nephropathy

Abstract Introduction: Previous cross-sectional studies suggested that plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is associated with retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) only in cases of impaired renal function. The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an independent relationship between tHcy and retinopathy in normoalbuminuric T1DM patients with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods: The study included 163 normoalbuminuric patients with T1DM and normal renal function (eGFR >60 ≤ 125 ml min−1 1.73 m−2). Urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE) was measured from at least two 24 h urine samples. Photodocumented retinopathy status was made according to the EURODIAB protocol. tHcy level was measured with the chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results: Retinopathy was present in 48% of normoalbuminuric patients. Patients with retinopathy were older (49 vs 42 years, p = 0.001), had higher systolic blood pressure (130 vs 120 mmHg, p = 0.001), triglycerides (0.89 vs 0.77 mmol/L, p = 0.01), tHcy (9.8 vs 9.1 µmol/L, p = 0.04), and lower eGFR (100 vs 106 ml min−1 1.73 m−2, p = 0.03). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for variables that reached statistical significance in the univariate analysis, only tHcy was significantly associated with a risk of retinopathy in our subjects (p = 0.02), with odds ratios of 1.02 to 1.43. Conclusion: These data suggest that tHcy is independently associated with retinopathy in normoalbuminuric T1DM with normal eGFR. The mechanisms relating tHcy and retinopathy in T1DM are not clear. Prospectives studies are needed to confirm whether higher tHcy in normoalbuminuric T1DM patients has predictive value for development of retinopathy.
Results of Bilateral Medial Rectus Recession for Comitant Esotropia in Patients with Developmental Delay

Abstract Purpose: There is paucity of literature on surgical outcomes after strabismus surgery in patients with developmental delay. There is no consensus regarding whether standard surgical tables are applicable to these children. The goal of our study was to determine results of strabismus surgery for esotropia among these children. Methods: Two retrospective cohorts of patients, with developmental delay (excluding Down syndrome) and without developmental delay, who underwent bimedial recession for comitant eso-deviation between January 2005 and January 2011, meeting our criteria, were selected. Amount of surgery performed in these children was compared with standard table. This comparison gave us operated angle of deviation. This operated angle of deviation was expressed as percentage of preoperative angle of deviation to get amount of surgery performed. Response to surgery was defined as percentage of change in angle of deviation after surgery to the operated angle of deviation. Amount of surgery performed, response to surgery, and results were compared between two groups. Results: This study included 25 patients with developmental delay and 53 normal children with comitant esotropia. Age, refractive error, and preoperative angle of deviation were comparable in patients with and without developmental delay. Among patients with developmental delay, on average 72.13% ± 16.08 of angle of deviation was operated; response to surgery gained was 134.06% ± 51.62. In the control group, the average amount of surgery done was 89.08% ± 10.83; response gained was 89.83% ± 22.49. Successful outcome (±10 PD of orthophoria) was noted in 60% patients with developmental delay compared to 73.58% in control group. On average 70.67% ± 17.95 angle of deviation was operated in patients with developmental delay with successful outcome. Conclusion: Surgical outcome in patients with developmental delay is very unpredictable. An exaggerated response to standard amounts of bimedial recession should be anticipated in these patients. Though there was no statistically significant difference, operating for 70.67% ± 17.95 angle of deviation is more likely to be successful.
Bullous pemphigoid and multiple sclerosis: a report of three cases and review of the literature

Three patients with longstanding multiple sclerosis (MS) who developed bullous pemphigoid (BP) are reported. All patients had immunological features of typical BP as determined by immunofluorescence and Western immunoblotting studies. The clinical features, however, differed from those observed in typical BP. In two the BP started near an indwelling catheter and two had striking involvement of the soles. None of our patients, or a further nine cases reported in the literature, had mucous membrane involvement. In MS patients BP appears to develop at a younger age. Multiple drugs were taken by the MS patients; these, however, appear not to play a role in triggering their BP. The course of BP in patients with MS is moderate, although the majority require systemic treatment.
Integrating Technology Addiction and Use: An Empirical Investigation of Online Auction Users

Technology addiction is a relatively new mental condition that has not yet been well integrated into mainstream MIS models. This study bridges this gap and incorporates technology addiction into technology use processes in the context of online auctions. It examines how user cognition and ultimately usage intentions toward an information technology are distorted by addiction to the technology. The findings from two empirical studies of 132 and 223 eBay users, using three different operationalizations of addiction, indicate that the level of online auction addiction distorts the way the IT artifact is perceived. Informing a range of cognitionmodification processes, addiction to online auctions augments user perceptions of enjoyment, usefulness, and ease of use attributed to the technology, which in turn influence usage intentions. Overall, consistent with behavioral addiction models, the findings indicate that users' levels of online auction addiction influence their reasoned IT usage decisions by altering users' belief systems. The formation of maladaptive perceptions is driven by a combination of memory-, learning-, and bias-based cognition modification processes. Implications of the findings are discussed.
DNA methylation at diagnosis is associated with response to disease-modifying drugs in early rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM A proof-of-concept study to explore whether DNA methylation at first diagnosis is associated with response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PATIENTS & METHODS DNA methylation was quantified in T-lymphocytes from 46 treatment-naive patients using HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. Treatment response was determined in 6 months using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. RESULTS Initial filtering identified 21 cytosine-phosphate-guanines (CpGs) that were differentially methylated between responders and nonresponders. After conservative adjustment for multiple testing, six sites remained statistically significant, of which four showed high sensitivity and/or specificity (≥75%) for response to treatment. Moreover, methylation at two sites in combination was the strongest factor associated with response (80.0% sensitivity, 90.9% specificity, AUC 0.85). CONCLUSION DNA methylation at diagnosis is associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug treatment response in early RA.
In Rwandese Women with Low Iron Status, Iron Absorption from Low-Phytic Acid Beans and Biofortified Beans Is Comparable, but Low-Phytic Acid Beans Cause Adverse Gastrointestinal Symptoms.

BACKGROUND Phytic acid (PA) is a major inhibitor of iron bioavailability from beans, and high PA concentrations might limit the positive effect of biofortified beans (BBs) on iron status. Low-phytic acid (lpa) bean varieties could increase iron bioavailability. OBJECTIVE We set out to test whether lpa beans provide more bioavailable iron than a BB variety when served as part of a composite meal in a bean-consuming population with low iron status. METHODS Dietary iron absorption from lpa, iron-biofortified, and control beans (CBs) (regular iron and PA concentrations) was compared in 25 nonpregnant young women with low iron status with the use of a multiple-meal crossover design. Iron absorption was measured with stable iron isotopes. RESULTS PA concentration in lpa beans was ∼10% of BBs and CBs, and iron concentration in BBs was ∼2- and 1.5-fold compared with CBs and lpa beans, respectively. Fractional iron absorption from lpa beans [8.6% (95% CI: 4.8%, 15.5%)], BBs [7.3% (95% CI: 4.0%, 13.4%)], and CBs [8.0% (95% CI: 4.4%, 14.6%)] did not significantly differ. The total amount of iron absorbed from lpa beans and BBs was 421 μg (95% CI: 234, 756 μg) and 431 μg (95% CI: 237, 786 μg), respectively, and did not significantly differ, but was >50% higher (P < 0.005) than from CBs (278 μg; 95% CI: 150, 499 μg). In our trial, the lpa beans were hard to cook, and their consumption caused transient adverse digestive side effects in ∼95% of participants. Gel electrophoresis analysis showed phytohemagglutinin L (PHA-L) residues in cooked lpa beans. CONCLUSION BBs and lpa beans provided more bioavailable iron than control beans and could reduce dietary iron deficiency. Digestive side effects of lpa beans were likely caused by PHA-L, but it is unclear to what extent the associated digestive problems reduced iron bioavailability. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02215278.
Title On Total Variation Minimization and Surface Evolution Using Parametric Maximum Flows Permalink

In a recent paper Boykov et al. (LNCS, Vol. 3953, pp. 409–422, 2006) propose an approach for computing curve and surface evolution using a variational approach and the geo-cuts method of Boykov and Kolmogorov (International conference on computer vision, pp. 26–33, 2003). We recall in this paper how this is related to well-known approaches for mean curvature motion, introduced by Almgren et al. (SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization 31(2):387–438, 1993) and Luckhaus and Sturzenhecker (Calculus of Variations and Partial Differential Equations 3(2):253–271, 1995), and show how the corresponding problems can be solved with sub-pixel accuracy using Parametric Maximum Flow techniques. This provides interesting algorithms for computing crystalline curvature motion, possibly with a forcing term.
Report of a Novel Mutation in CRB1 in a Lebanese Family Presenting Retinal Dystrophy

Abstract Purpose: To identify the genetic basis of a recessive inheritance form of retinal dystrophy (RD) in a Lebanese family. Materials and methods: Clinical data were recorded for five patients of the 14 family members. Genetic linkage was carried out using Affymetrix 250 K Nspl SNP array followed by sequencing. Results: The patients showed variable phenotypes ranging from Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) to progressive forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). A 46.1 Mb chromosomal region at chromosome 1q23.3-32.2 was identified by homozygosity mapping. This region contained the Crumbs homologue-1, CRB1, a gene responsible for recessive retinal dystrophies. CRB1 is required for photoreceptor morphogenesis, and it has been associated with RP and LCA. Sequencing of CRB1 revealed two mutations: a novel deletion in exon 6 (c.1772_1775delGCAT; p.C591Sfs*28) and a missense mutation in exon 7 (c.2234C > T; p.T745M). Conclusion: We report a novel CRB1 mutation in inherited RD in a Lebanese family, and confirm the considerable phenotype heterogeneity that may exist between individuals sharing the same mutations.
Light and dark adaptation mechanisms in the compound eyes of Myrmecia ants that occupy discrete temporal niches

ABSTRACT Ants of the Australian genus Myrmecia partition their foraging niche temporally, allowing them to be sympatric with overlapping foraging requirements. We used histological techniques to study the light and dark adaptation mechanisms in the compound eyes of diurnal (Myrmecia croslandi), crepuscular (M. tarsata, M. nigriceps) and nocturnal ants (M. pyriformis). We found that, except in the day-active species, all ants have a variable primary pigment cell pupil that constricts the crystalline cone in bright light to control for light flux. We show for the nocturnal M. pyriformis that the constriction of the crystalline cone by the primary pigment cells is light dependent whereas the opening of the aperture is regulated by an endogenous rhythm. In addition, in the light-adapted eyes of all species, the retinular cell pigment granules radially migrate towards the rhabdom, a process that in both the day-active M. croslandi and the night-active M. pyriformis is driven by ambient light intensity. Visual system properties thus do not restrict crepuscular and night-active ants to their temporal foraging niche, while day-active ants require high light intensities to operate. We discuss the ecological significance of these adaptation mechanisms and their role in temporal niche partitioning. Highlighted Article: Compound eye properties of sympatric bull ants restrict diurnal animals to bright-lit habitats, but do not restrict crepuscular and nocturnal animals to their dim-lit niches.
Effects of tissue stiffness, ultrasound frequency, and pressure on histotripsy-induced cavitation bubble behavior

Histotripsy is an ultrasound ablation method that controls cavitation to fractionate soft tissue. In order to effectively fractionate tissue, histotripsy requires cavitation bubbles to rapidly expand from nanometer-sized initial nuclei into bubbles often larger than 50 µm. Using a negative pressure high enough to initiate a bubble cloud and expand bubbles to a sufficient size, histotripsy has been shown capable of completely fractionating soft tissue into acelluar debris resulting in effective tissue removal. Previous work has shown that the histotripsy process is affected by tissue mechanical properties with stiffer tissues showing increased resistance to histotripsy fractionation, which we hypothesize to be caused by impeded bubble expansion in stiffer tissues. In this study, the hypothesis that increases in tissue stiffness cause a reduction in bubble expansion was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. High speed optical imaging was used to capture a series of time delayed images of bubbles produced inside mechanically tunable agarose tissue phantoms using histotripsy pulses produced by 345 kHz, 500 kHz, 1.5 MHz, and 3 MHz histotripsy transducers. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in maximum bubble radius (Rmax) and collapse time (tc) with both increasing Young’s modulus and increasing frequency. Furthermore, results showed that Rmax was not increased by raising the pressure above the intrinsic threshold. Finally, this work demonstrated the potential of using a dual-frequency strategy to modulate the expansion of histotripsy bubbles. Overall, the results of this study improve our understanding of how tissue stiffness and ultrasound parameters affect histotripsy-induced bubble behavior and provide a rational basis to tailor acoustic parameters for treatment of the specific tissues of interest.
Optical networks for cost-efficient and scalable provisioning of big data traffic

This article shows how recent advances in optical networks can be used to improve big data processing by cost-effective and scalable provisioning of high-bandwidth connectivity for big data traffic in backbone networks and consequently tackle the current problems related to big data processing in distributed environment including cloud computing. We focus on two optical technologies, namely currently the most popular wavelength division multiplexing and a new emerging approach of elastic optical network (EON). The performance metrics related to both optical network resources (network capital expenditures/operating expenditures (OPEX) cost, power consumption optical spectrum usage) and computing resources (response time and OPEX cost) are investigated in pan-European and US networks based on an example of a big data application related to hyperspectral image processing. Results indicate that provisioning of big data traffic directly in the optical layer with the use of the EON concept provides the best results in most of examined criteria.
Magnesium and the parathyroid

The serum levels of parathyroid hormone and magnesium depend on each other in a complex manner. The secretion of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid is physiologically controlled by the serum calcium level, but magnesium can exert similar effects. While low levels of magnesium stimulate parathyroid hormone secretion, very low serum concentrations induce a paradoxical block. This block leads to clinically relevant hypocalcemia in severely hypomagnesiemic patients. The mechanism of this effect has recently been traced to an activation of the α-subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. This activation mimicks activation of the calcium sensing receptor and thus causes inhibition of parathyroid hormone secretion. In addition to the effects of magnesium on parathyroid hormone secretion, parathyroid hormone in turn regulates magnesium homeostasis by modulating renal magnesium reabsorption. The distal convoluted tubule is of crucial importance for parathyroid hormone-regulated magnesium homeostasis.
Inflammatory cytokine gene expression in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharides

The effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P-LPS) and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (E-LPS) on the gene expression and production of inflammatory cytokines of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF) were examined by a Northern (RNA blot) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. mRNAs for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) were detected in HPLF cells, but IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were not detected by reverse transcription-PCR. The expression of TGF-beta mRNA was not influenced by either LPS. P-LPS (1 to 10 micrograms/ml) and E-LPS (100 micrograms/ml) markedly stimulated the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNAs compared with the control. The synthesis of IL-6 and IL-8 was also stimulated by 10 and 100 micrograms of both LPSs per ml, but IL-8 synthesis was not stimulated with E-LPS at 1 microgram/ml. Secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 into the culture medium was detected at 6 and 3 h, respectively, after exposure to P-LPS (10 micrograms/ml). These findings suggested that P. gingivalis leads to periodontal tissue destruction and alveolar bone resorption through IL-6 and IL-8 released from HPLF cells stimulated with its LPS.
Methyl jasmonate triggers loss of grain yield under drought stress

Drought is one of the major constraints to rice production worldwide. The development of rice panicle and spikelet meristem is repressed under the drought conditions, resulting in a reduction in the numbers of panicles and spikelets. In our recent report, we demonstrated that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) plays an important role in drought-induced loss of grain yield. Transgenic overexpression of the Arabidopsis gene jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (AtJMT) in rice resulted in a large reduction in grain yield through increased MeJA and ABA levels in young panicles. Exposure of nontransgenic plants to drought conditions also increased MeJA and ABA levels in young panicles and significantly reduced grain yield. In both cases, the reduction in grain yield was due to lower numbers of spikelets and lower filling rates than were observed for nontransgenic (NT) controls. The ABA increase in AtJMT transgenic panicles grown in non-drought conditions suggests that MeJA, rather than drought stress, induces ABA biosynthesis under drought conditions. These results led us postulate that plants produce MeJA during drought stress, which in turn stimulates the production of ABA, together leading to a loss of grain yield.