Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability and performance evaluation for STT-MRAM under temperature variation

Spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) is a potential candidate for next generation universal memory technology, which possesses the high density and cost benefits of DRAM, the high access speed of SRAM, the non-volatility of Flash, compatibility with CMOS and essentially unlimited endurance. However, STT-MRAM commercialization is hampered by the reliability issues, especially its poor thermal reliability. Generally, the elevated ambient temperature and Joule heating cause the thermal reliability issues of STT-MRAM. These effects result in many failures such as data cannot be written into the cell or read out from the cell correctly. Therefore, reliability issues of STT-MRAM has long been the design challenge under thermal fluctuation due to their thermal sensitivity property. In the paper, a series of simulation experiments are carried out to evaluate the reliability and performance of STT-MRAM in terms of operation error rate, delay and energy consumption. These simulation experiments are performed in Cadence with a compact spice model of PMA (Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy) MTJ (Magnetic Tunnel Junction), which is developed by our group and used widely. The information obtained from these experiments would provide foundation for probing the enhancing strategies of reliability and performance for STT-MRAM.
Myeloprotective activity of crude methanolic leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis in cyclophosphamide-induced bone marrow suppression in Wistar rats

Background: Myelosuppression is the most common dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy. Cassia occidentalis plays a vital role in preventing health disorders, but its hematological effects have not been documented much. This study is designed to investigate the myeloprotective activity of the crude methanolic leaf extract of C. occidentalis in cyclophosphamide-induced bone marrow suppression. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar rats aged two to three months, weighing 120-170 g were used for the study. The rats were divided into four groups of seven rats each, labeled A to D. Groups A and B were administered with 3 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally daily for three days to induce bone marrow suppression, after which groups B and C were orally fed with 250 mg/kg body weight of the crude leaf extract once daily for 14 days. Group D served as control without receiving the extract. On Day 15, blood samples (3.0 ml) were collected from each rat through the retro-orbital plexus of the median canthus into K 3 -EDTA containers for hematological analysis using standard operative procedures. Data were analyzed with Pearson′s correlation test and multivariate analysis of variance using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 and results were expressed as mean ± SD. The level of significance was determined at 95% confidence level. Results: Myelosuppression was achieved in Group A rats. Group B rats showed a significant increase in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and total white blood cell count (TWBC) compared with Group A. The Group C rats revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Hb, Hct and TWBC when compared with control. Conclusions: Crude methanolic leaf extract of C. occidentalis may possess myeloprotective properties when orally administered in cyclophosphamide-induced bone marrow suppression.
The Incudostapedial Articulation: New Concepts

Hypothesis: To study the detailed anatomy of the incudostapedial joint (ISJ). Background: Detailed study of the anatomy of the ISJ has been surprisingly neglected and continues to be controversial. Methods: We studied the joint in 86 temporal bones from 51 subjects, aged 12 to 104 years, by light microscopy and three-dimensional images of computer-based reconstructions. Results: In the course of this study, we found that the lenticular process is extremely delicate, consisting of thin trabeculae and spaces filled with areolar tissue. The ISJ is at least partially a bichambered diarthrodial joint divided by a fibrous articular disk into unequal joint spaces. This disk could be identified in all 86 specimens. In addition, we identified for the first time a concavity on the anterior face of the inferior end of the long process of the incus. The asymmetric joint capsule of the ISJ, which completely envelops the lenticular process, extends to this incudal concavity, thereby incorporating part of the long process into the joint complex. We also found that the attachment of the tendon of the stapedius muscle to be more complex than previously described with contributions to the posterior and probably the inferior joint capsule. Conclusion: On the basis of its finely cohesive anatomic structure, we believe that the incudostapedial articulation should be considered to be a single complex and to be a single entity physiologically.
An 8100 pixel optoelectronic array for optogenetic retinal prosthesis

Optogenetic forms of retinal prosthesis promise higher resolutions and more precise neural coding than electronic implants. This is predicated on high resolution, high radiance optoelectronic illuminators. In this paper, we describe a 90×90 CMOS driven micro light emitting diode (LED) array. Our device is implemented on a 0.35 μm CMOS process combined with a dedicated technology Gallium Nitride LED process. The array can generate an arbitrary 2-D stimulation patterns with both pixel and row updates to allow high speed pulse width intensity control. The control interface is based on an adapted SPI protocol.
Repeatability of 31P MRSI in the human brain at 7 T with and without the nuclear Overhauser effect

An often‐employed strategy to enhance signals in 31P MRS is the generation of the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) by saturation of the water resonance. However, NOE allegedly increases the variability of the 31P data, because variation is reported in NOE enhancements. This would negate the signal‐to‐noise (SNR) gain it generates. We hypothesized that the variation in NOE enhancement values is not caused by the variability in NOE itself, but is attributable to measurement uncertainties in the values used to calculate the enhancement. If true, the expected increase in SNR with NOE would improve the repeatability of 31P MRS measurements. To verify this hypothesis, a repeatability study of native and NOE‐enhanced 31P MRSI was performed in the brains of seven healthy volunteers at 7 T. The repeatability coefficient (RC) and the coefficient of variation in repeated measurements (CoVrepeat) were determined for each method, and the 95% limits of agreement (LoAs) between native and NOE‐enhanced signals were calculated. The variation between the methods, defined by the LoA, is at least as great as that predicted by the RC of each method. The sources of variation in NOE enhancements were determined using variance component analysis. In the seven metabolites with a positive NOE enhancement (nine metabolite resonances assessed), CoVrepeat improved, on average, by 15%. The LoAs could be explained by the RCs of the individual methods for the majority of the metabolites, generally confirming our hypothesis. Variation in NOE enhancement was mainly attributable to the factor repeat, but between‐voxel effects were also present for phosphoethanolamine and (glycero)phosphocholine. CoVrepeat and fitting error were strongly correlated and improved with positive NOE. Our findings generally indicate that NOE enhances the signal of metabolites, improving the repeatability of metabolite measurements. Additional variability as a result of NOE was minimal. These findings encourage the use of NOE‐enhanced 31P MRSI. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutathione S‐transferase M1, T1 and P1 genetic polymorphisms, cigarette smoking and gastric cancer risk

Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) belong to a superfamily of detoxification enzymes that provide critical defences against a large variety of chemical carcinogens and environmental toxicants. GSTs are present in most epithelial tissues of the human gastrointestinal tract. We investigated associations between genetic variability in specific GST genes (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1), the interaction with cigarette smoking and susceptibility to gastric cancer. The GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer with Light Cycler Instrument. The study included 70 patients with gastric cancer and 204 controls. Associations between specific genotypes and the development of gastric cancer were examined by use of logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GSTM1 homozygous null genotype was associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.10–3.04). GSTT1 homozygous null genotype and GSTP1 genotypes were not associated with the risk of gastric cancer. Also there was no difference between cases and controls in the frequency of val‐105 and ile‐105 alleles (p = 0.07). After grouping according to smoking status, GSTM1 null genotype was associated with an increased gastric cancer risk for smokers (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.02–4.52). There were no significant differences in the distributions of any of the other GST gene combinations. Our findings suggest that the GSTM1 null genotype may be associated with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics of vanillin and its effects on mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of neuropathic pain

The analgesic effects of vanillin on neuropathic pain was evaluated using thermal sensitivity and mechanical allodynia using the sciatic nerve constriction model (n = 30 rats). To determine the pharmacokinetics of vanillin, rats (n = 6/administration route) received either 20 or 100 mg/kg of vanillin i.v. and p.o. , respectively. For the pharmacodynamic study, baseline levels for hyperalgesia and allodynia were taken for 5 days prior to surgery. Following surgery each group (n = 6 rats/group) received either vanillin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg), morphine (2 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg) or the vehicle only. Pharmacokinetic results following p.o. administrations are Cmax 290.24 ng/mL, Tmax 4 h, relative clearance 62.17 L/h/kg and T1/2 10.3 h. The bioavailability is 7.6%. Mechanical allodynia was decreased on treatment days 1, 2, 3, 5 (p < 0.003) and not on day 4 (p > 0.02) with 50 mg/kg vanillin, whereas at 100 mg/kg p.o. a decrease was noted only on days 7 and 8 (p < 0.003). No effect on hyperalgesia was seen following vanillin administration. In conclusion, vanillin is bioavailable and seems to have an alleviating effect on mechanical allodynia, and not on hyperalgesia, when evaluated with a chronic constriction nerve injury rat model of neuropathic pain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quail Pax-6 (Pax-QNR) mRNAs are expressed from two promoters used differentially during retina development and neuronal differentiation

During investigations on the regulation of the Pax-6 gene, we characterized a cDNA from quail neuroretina showing a 5' untranslated region distinct from that previously described and initiated from an internal promoter. Using RNase protection and primer extension mapping, we localized this second quail Pax-6 promoter, termed P1. As reported for the already described P0 promoter, P1 was also transactivated in vitro by the p46Pax-QNR protein. RNase protection assays performed with quail neuroretina RNA showed that P1-initiated mRNAs were detected before the P0-initiated mRNAs, remained constant up to embryonic day 8, and decreased slowly thereafter whereas, P0-initiated mRNAs accumulated up to embryonic day 8. In contrast, quail retinal pigmented epithelium expressed only the P1-initiated mRNAs. Transformation of these cells by the v-myc oncogene induced neuronal traits in the culture, which thereafter, in addition to the P1-initiated mRNAs, expressed Pax-QNR from the P0 promoter. These results suggest that expression of the quail Pax-6 gene is under the control of different regulators through alternate promoters, P0 being activated at the onset of neuronal differentiation.
Ceftazidime for respiratory infections

Introduction: Ceftazidime is a third-generation cephalosporin that has activity against Gram-negative bacilli, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the limited number of antimicrobial agents in development have necessitated a review of the current status of treatments involving ceftazidime. Areas covered: This review focuses on studies examining the in vitro antibacterial activity of ceftazidime against recent clinical isolates and recent randomized controlled trials studying the clinical efficacy of ceftazidime, and discusses strategies for the optimal use of ceftazidime for treating respiratory tract infections, mainly hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Expert opinion: Although ceftazidime remains an important option for HAP treatment, its role as an effective antimicrobial agent has been compromised by the sharp increase in resistance rates over the last decade, especially in P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. To maintain or improve the clinical use of ceftazidime in patients with severe HAP, it will be essential to gain a thorough understanding of local resistance patterns, reserve ceftazidime use when pathogens are susceptible to other third-generation cephalosporins, optimize ceftazidime therapy using prolonged or continuous infusion, determine the effectiveness of the combination of ceftazidime with inhibitors of broad-spectrum β-lactamases and role of combination therapy for P. aeruginosa infections, and judiciously use antimicrobial agents through individualization of antimicrobial therapy for HAP.
Mechanistic implications for Escherichia coli cofactor-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase based on the high-resolution crystal structure of a vanadate complex.

The structure of Escherichia coli cofactor-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase (dPGM), complexed with the potent inhibitor vanadate, has been determined to a resolution of 1.30 A (R-factor 0.159; R-free 0.213). The inhibitor is present in the active site, principally as divanadate, but with evidence of additional vanadate moieties at either end, and representing a different binding mode to that observed in the structural homologue prostatic acid phosphatase. The analysis reveals the enzyme-ligand interactions involved in inhibition of the mutase activity by vanadate and identifies a water molecule, observed in the native E.coli dPGM structure which, once activated by vanadate, may dephosphorylate the active protein. Rather than reflecting the active conformation previously observed for E.coli dPGM, the inhibited protein's conformation resembles that of the inactive dephosphorylated Saccharomyces cerevisiae dPGM. The provision of a high-resolution structure of both active and inactive forms of dPGM from a single organism, in conjunction with computational modelling of substrate molecules in the active site provides insight into the binding of substrates and the specific interactions necessary for three different activities, mutase, synthase and phosphatase, within a single active site. The sequence similarity of E.coli and human dPGMs allows us to correlate structure with clinical pathology.
Low temperature and anhydrous electron microscopy techniques to observe the infection process of the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas fragariae on strawberry leaves

Preserving the structural arrangement of the components of a bacterial infection process within a plant for microscopy study is a technical challenge because of the different requirements of each component for optimal preservation and visualization. We used low temperature scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM), anhydrous fixation at ambient temperature and freeze‐substitution for transmission electron microscopy to examine fractured and sectioned strawberry leaves infected with Xanthomonas fragariae. Cryo‐SEM images of fractured samples showed the bacterial colonization of mesophyll air spaces in the leaf, limited by the vascular bundles and the orientation and packing of bacteria in extracellular polysaccharide. Transmission electron microscopy of samples fixed using osmium tetroxide dissolved in FC‐72 solvent at ambient temperature showed that the entire plant/bacteria/extracellular polysaccharide system was preserved in situ, and showed plasmolysis of mesophyll cells and disruption of organelles. In freeze‐substitution samples, osmium tetroxide in FC‐72 solvent gave superior preservation of the extracellular polysaccharide as compared to a conventional cocktail. In addition, strands believed to be xanthan were preferentially contrasted to show their density and orientation around the bacterial cells. We conclude that anhydrous fixation using osmium tetroxide in FC‐72 at ambient temperature gave the best preservation of the entire system, and freeze‐substitution using this same fixative enhanced the visualization of strands in the biofilm.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-activating Polypeptides Directly Stimulate Sympathetic Neuron Neuropeptide Y Release through PAC1 Receptor Isoform Activation of Specific Intracellular Signaling Pathways*

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAP) have potent regulatory and neurotrophic activities on superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons with pharmacological profiles consistent for the PACAP-selective PAC1 receptor. Multiple PAC1 receptor isoforms are suggested to determine differential peptide potency and receptor coupling to multiple intracellular signaling pathways. The current studies examined rat SCG PAC1 receptor splice variant expression and coupling to intracellular signaling pathways mediating PACAP-stimulated peptide release. PAC1 receptor mRNA was localized in over 90% of SCG neurons, which correlated with the cells expressing receptor protein. The neurons expressed the PAC1(short)HOP1 receptor but not VIP/PACAP-nonselective VPAC1 receptors; low VPAC2 receptor mRNA levels were restricted to ganglionic nonneuronal cells. PACAP27 and PACAP38 potently and efficaciously stimulated both cAMP and inositol phosphate production; inhibition of phospholipase C augmented PACAP-stimulated cAMP production, but inhibition of adenylyl cyclase did not alter stimulated inositol phosphate production. Phospholipase C inhibition blunted neuron peptide release, suggesting that the phosphatidylinositol pathway was a prominent component of the secretory response. These studies demonstrate preferential sympathetic neuron expression of PACAP-selective receptor variants contributing to regulation of autonomic function.
STAT1 activation in squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity

For patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, both locoregional and distant recurrences are common, and an appropriate adjuvant treatment modality has yet to be defined. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel molecular markers with potential prognostic and/or predictive value to improve treatment outcome in these patients. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the predictive and/or prognostic value of STAT1 activation in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.
Using Health Belief Model Constructs to Examine Differences in Adherence to Pap Test Recommendations among Iranian Women

Despite documented successful Pap tests in routine care of women, screening levels are unfortunately often lower than recommended. This study aimed to assess differences in adherence to Pap test guidelines among a sample of Iranian women using the Health Belief Model (HBM). In this descriptive and analytical study, information was collected from a total of 305 women, (age range of 15-49) from Zarandieh health centers in Iran using a random multistage sampling method. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics; health belief model constructs were gathered by a self-report method. The results were analyzed using the independent samples t test and logistic regression in SPSS-20. A total 32% of the subjects had a history of a Pap test and the score mean of the whole constructs model (knowledge, susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy) in these individuals was higher than those without a positive history. Among the predictive variables of HBM constructs, the highest weights were observed for perceived benefits ß)=0.36), perceived susceptibility =ß) 0.35) and self-efficacy ß)=0.29). Based on our finding of positive relationships for health belief model structures with performance of a pap smear test, designing educational interventions for changing the knowledge levels and beliefs of women is recommended.
Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Clopidogrel in Secondary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: When used as an alternative to or in addition to aspirin, clopidogrel has been demonstrated by some but not all randomized controlled trials to be effective in secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with (1) coronary artery disease (CAD), (2) acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and (3) coronary stent placement. However, a drawback to clopidogrel therapy is the cost to patients and the health care system. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that when clopidogrel is used in addition to aspirin, the combination has an increased bleeding risk compared with aspirin alone. Cost-effectiveness analysis may aid in developing strategies for optimal use of clopidogrel. OBJECTIVES: To review and evaluate published pharmacoeconomic analyses on the use of clopidogrel in secondary prevention of CV events in patients who have known CAD, have ACS, or are undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). METHODS: English-language peer-reviewed articles or abstracts were identified from MEDLINE and the Current Contents database (both from 1966 to August 15, 2006) using the search terms clopidogrel and pharmacoeconomics or clopidogrel and cost analyses. Citations from available articles were also reviewed for additional references. RESULTS: Multiple cost-effectiveness analyses of clopidogrel were available for review. These pharmacoeconomic studies were performed using different clinical databases from randomized controlled trials as well as observational databases. Cost was from the perspective of different health care systems and society; it was expressed in varying cost-effectiveness terms (life-year gained vs. per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]). Although direct comparison among studies was difficult, clopidogrel appeared to be cost effective when used for up to 12 months in combination with aspirin (compared with aspirin alone) in patients with ACS or in those undergoing PCIs, using different societal perspectives (both in the United States [average U.S.$15,000 per QALY among U.S. studies reporting per QALY] and in European countries [United Kingdom reported 18,888 (average U.S.$28,300) per QALY]). In contrast, when used as an alternative to aspirin for secondary prevention of CAD, clopidogrel had mixed results in cost-effectiveness analyses (results varied from U.S. $25,000 to $114,000 per QALY). A major limitation of the models cited is the extrapolation of outcomes far beyond the duration used in the clinical trial database. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of current cost-effectiveness data, clopidogrel should be used in addition to aspirin therapy for up to 12 months in all patients with non-ST elevation ACS as well as in those who received coronary stents. For secondary prevention of CAD, clopidogrel should be used only in those who cannot tolerate aspirin therapy.