Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dielectric-Modulated Impact-Ionization MOS Transistor as a Label-Free Biosensor

In this letter, we propose a dielectric-modulated impact-ionization MOS (DIMOS) transistor-based sensor for application in label-free detection of biomolecules. Numerous reports exist on the experimental demonstration of nanogap-embedded field effect transistor-based biosensors, but an impact-ionization MOS (I-MOS)-based biosensor has not been reported previously. The concept of a dielectric-modulated I-MOS-based biosensor is presented in this letter based on technology computer-aided design simulation study. The results show a high sensitivity to the presence of biomolecules even at small channel lengths. In addition, a low variability of the sensitivity to the charges on the biomolecule is observed. The high sensitivity, dominance of dielectric-modulation effects, and operation at even small channel lengths make the DIMOS biosensor a promising alternative for CMOS-based sensor applications.
Prostaglandins but not nitric oxide are endothelium-derived relaxing factors in the trout aorta.

AIM To identify the type of prostanoids produced by endothelial cells of trout aorta and to determine whether or not the smooth muscle responds to nitric oxide. METHODS Ventral aortas, with and without endothelium from rainbow trout (S gairdneri), were incubated in a buffered salt solution. RESULTS Addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 caused a significant increase in prostaglandin E's and a consistent increase in the stable metabolite of prostacyclin (6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha) in the incubation media only when the endothelium was present. This production was inhibited by methylene blue (10 mumol/L). In rings of trout aorta without endothelium suspended for the measurement of isometric force in organ chambers, prostacyclin and prostaglandin E1 but not prostaglandin E2 caused concentration-dependent decreases in tension when the rings were contracted with acetylcholine. The smooth muscle did not relax to nitric oxide but did so to sodium nitroprusside. Relaxations to the latter nitrovasodilator were not inhibited by methylene blue. Descending aorta without endothelium from frogs relaxed in a concentration-dependent manner to nitric oxide. CONCLUSION Predominant endothelium-derived relaxing factors in trout aorta are prostaglandins, the synthesis of which can be inhibited by methylene blue. A phylogenetic appearance of nitric-oxide sensitive mechanism for vasodilatation, perhaps is associated with the transition from water to air respiration.
The Rise of the Mesopredator

Apex predators have experienced catastrophic declines throughout the world as a result of human persecution and habitat loss. These collapses in top predator populations are commonly associated with dramatic increases in the abundance of smaller predators. Known as “mesopredator release,” this trophic interaction has been recorded across a range of communities and ecosystems. Mesopredator outbreaks often lead to declining prey populations, sometimes destabilizing communities and driving local extinctions. We present an overview of mesopredator release and illustrate how its underlying concepts can be used to improve predator management in an increasingly fragmented world. We also examine shifts in North American carnivore ranges during the past 200 years and show that 60% of mesopredator ranges have expanded, whereas all apex predator ranges have contracted. The need to understand how best to predict and manage mesopredator release is urgent—mesopredator outbreaks are causing high ecological, economic, and social costs around the world.
Quantitative trait loci influencing chemical and sensory characteristics of eating quality in sweet corn.

This study was conducted to ascertain the chromosomal location and magnitude of effect of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the chemical and sensory properties of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) eating quality. Eighty-eight RFLPs, 3 cloned genes (sh1, sh2, and dhn1), and 2 morphological markers (a2 and se1) distributed throughout the sweet corn genome were scored in 214 F2:3 families derived from a cross between the inbreds W6786su1Se1 and IL731Asu1se1. Kernel properties associated with eating quality (kernel tenderness and starch, phytoglycogen, sucrose, and dimethyl sulfide concentrations) were quantified on F2:3 sib-pollinated ears harvested at 20 days after pollination. Sensory evaluation was conducted on a subset of 103 F2:3 families to determine intensity of attributes associated with sweet corn eating quality (corn aroma, grassy aroma, sweetness, starchiness, grassy flavor, crispness, tenderness, and juiciness) and overall liking. Single factor analysis of variance revealed significant QTL for all these traits, which accounted for from 3 to 42% of the total phenotypic variation. A proportion of the RFLP markers associated with human sensory response were also found to be associated with kernel characteristics. To our knowledge this is the first report of the identification of QTL associated with human flavor preferences in any food crop. Key words : sweet corn, RFLP, quantitative trait loci, eating quality, sensory evaluation.
Measuring the Propensity to Drink and Drive

Laws such as . 08 blood alcohol content, open container, and license revocation provide a policy framework for reducing drinking and driving. Drinking and driving behavior is difficult to assess; unlike property and violent crimes, where incidence statistics can approximate behavior, most drink-driving trips go undetected. The authors develop a novel measure of drink-driving propensity by estimating an item response model using national survey data. The authors illustrate their measures in the aggregate and as they relate to law enforcement efforts in the American states.
Direct simulations for wall modeling of multicomponent reacting compressible turbulent flows

A study of multicomponent reacting channel flows with significant heat transfer and low Mach number has been performed using a set of direct and wall-resolved large-eddy simulations (LES). The Reynolds number based on the channel half-height and the mean friction velocity is Reτ=300 for DNS and Reτ=1000 for wall-resolved LES. Two temperature ratios based on the mean centerline temperature Tc and the temperature at the wall, Tw, are investigated: Tc/Tw=1.1 for DNS and Tc/Tw=3 for wall-resolved LES. The mass/momentum/energy balances are investigated, specially showing the changes induced by multicomponent terms of the Navier–Stokes equations. Concerning the flow dynamics, the data support the validity of the Van Driest transformation for compressible reacting flows. Concerning heat transfer, two multicomponent terms arise in the energy conservation balance: the laminar species diffusion which appears to be negligible in the turbulent core and the turbulent flux of chemical enthalpy which cannot be neglected.
The layered–resolved microstructure and spectroscopy of mouse oral mucosa using multiphoton microscopy

The layered–resolved microstructure and spectroscopy of mouse oral mucosa are obtained using a combination of multiphoton imaging and spectral analysis with different excitation wavelengths. In the keratinizing layer, the keratinocytes microstructure can be characterized and the keratinizing thickness can be measured. The keratin fluorescence signal can be further characterized by emission maxima at 510 nm. In the epithelium, the cellular microstructure can be quantitatively visualized with depth and the epithelium thickness can be determined by multiphoton imaging excited at 730 nm. The study also shows that the epithelial spectra excited at 810 nm, showing a combination of NADH and FAD fluorescence, can be used for the estimation of the metabolic state in epithelium. Interestingly, a second-harmonic generation (SHG) signal from DNA was observed for the first time within the epithelial layer in backscattering geometry and provides the possibility of analyzing the chromatin structure. In the stroma, the combination of multiphoton imaging and spectral analysis excited at 850 nm in tandem can obtain quantitative information regarding the biomorphology and biochemistry of stroma. Specifically, the microstructure of collagen, minor salivary glands and elastic fibers, and the optical property of the stroma can be quantitatively displayed. Overall, these results suggest that the combination of multiphoton imaging and spectral analysis with different excitation wavelengths has the potential to provide important and comprehensive information for early diagnosis of oral cancer.
Predictors of mortality in adult patients with blunt injuries in New York State: a comparison of the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision-based Injury Severity Score (ICISS).

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the statistical model that best predicted mortality from blunt trauma using a contemporary population-based database. METHODS 1994-1995 New York State Trauma Registry data for patients with blunt injuries were used to predict mortality using three statistical models: (1) the original Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) model based on Major Trauma Outcome Study data, (2) a new TRISS model whose coefficients were derived using New York data, and (3) the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision-based Injury Severity Score (ICISS) with predicted survival values obtained from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research's Health Care Utilization Project. The models were compared with respect to discrimination (using the C statistic) and calibration (using the Hosmer-Lemeshow [H-L] statistic). In addition, the models were tested to see how well they predicted outcomes for each of the three mechanisms of blunt injury. RESULTS The ICISS model had a significantly higher C statistic (0.878) and a better H-L statistic (29.38) for predicting mortality for all adult patients with blunt injuries. The original TRISS model had very poor calibration (H-L = 687.38). None of the three models predicted mortality accurately for victims of motor vehicle crashes or victims of low falls. When separate models were developed for all motor vehicle crashes, low falls, and other blunt injuries, the ICISS and New York TRISS models both fit well, although the calibration was marginal in most cases. The ICISS model had a statistically significantly higher C statistic for other blunt injuries and for motor vehicle crashes. The New York TRISS model had better calibration for low falls. CONCLUSIONS The ICISS has promise as an alternative to TRISS, but many more comparative studies need to be undertaken using updated TRISS coefficients. Models should also be developed for mechanisms of injury, not just for blunt and penetrating injuries.
Prediction of fetal growth by measuring the placental thickness using ultrasonography

Ultrasound growth parameters including Femur Length (FL), and Biparietal Diameter (BPD) are widely used in Sudan for determining the fetal age. The Abdomen Circumference (AC) is also used along with BPD in determining fetal weight. Measuring placental thickness along with these parameters could be of great value. The main objective of this study was to determine the normal thickness of placenta during second and third trimesters in Sudanese pregnant ladies in order to predict the growth of the fetus, and to understand the relation between the placental thickness and growth parameters (BPD and FL). Fifty three pregnant Sudanese ladies were included in this study. All were normal cases of ages between 20 and 43 years old, in the second and third trimesters checking for antenatal routine ultrasound examinations at Military and Omdurman Maternal hospitals. Patients with history of Diabetes, Hydrops, Hypertension or liability to fetal anomalies were excluded from the study. The BPD, and FL, were measured and then correlated with Gestational Age (GA) for each lady; the placental thickness was measured in the longitudinal section at the insertion of umbilical cord using ultrasonography. The placental thickness was found in the normal mean range of values (20.7±2.1 and 36.2±4.7), in second and third trimester respectively. Normal values of placental thickness in normal Sudanese pregnant ladies with singleton fetuses are in the range of 25 to 45mm in the 3rd trimester, and between 18 to 24mm in the second trimester. A linear relationship between placental thickness and BPD, FL and gestational ages acquired by them in both 2nd and 3rd trimesters. No significant differences were found between ages derived from FL and BPD and PT, and a linear relationship was noted with the maternal age. An equation for gestational age prediction using PT was established. Placenta Thickness had a great value in prediction of fetal health and growth parameters sonographically.
Studies on longevity of adult Eretmapodites chrysogaster, Aedes togoi and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus females (Diptera: Culicidae).

Comparative studies on longevity of adult ♀ Eretmapodites chrysogaster (Graham), Aedes (Finlaya) togoi (Skuse), and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Theobald) mosquitoes showed that the latter outlived the others under all conditions of temperature and humidity. A high temperature of 32.2°C drastically reduced the life span in all species regardless of humidity, while cool temperatures (15.5° to 22.2°C) at low and high humidities enhanced survival. Low humidity (30% RH) was consistently detrimental to E. chrysogaster at all temperatures, but generally had little or no effect on the survival of A. togoi. and A. alhopictus. These species apparently possess a higher drgree of spiracular control and other mechanisms for regulating the inward and outward flow of body fluids.
Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles of different sizes, surface conditions and synthesis methods

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (Ag-nps) are used as a natural biocide to prevent undesired bacterial growth in clothing and cosmetics. The objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of Ag-nps of different sizes, surface conditions, and synthesis methods against Escherichia coli, Ag-resistant E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Salmonella sp. Ag-nps samples were synthesized by: Base reduction with unmodified surfaces and used as synthesized (‘unwashed’; 20, 50 and 80 nm) or after 20 phosphate buffer washes (‘washed’; 20, 50 and 80 nm), or synthesized by laser ablation with carbon-stabilized surfaces (‘carbon-coated’; 25 and 35 nm). Unwashed Ag-nps were toxic to all bacterial strains at concentrations between 3.0–8.0 μg/ml. The washed Ag-nps and carbon-coated Ag-nps were toxic to all bacterial strains except Ag-resistant E. coli at concentrations between 64.0–1024.0 μg/ml. Ag-resistant E. coli died only when treated with unwashed Ag-nps or its supernatant, both of which contained formaldehyde.
Influence of Buffer Carbon Doping on Pulse and AC Behavior of Insulated-Gate Field-Plated Power AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

Pulse behavior of insulated-gate double-field-plate power AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with C-doped buffers showing small current-collapse effects and dynamic RDS,on increase can accurately be reproduced by numerical device simulations that assume the CN-CGa autocompensation model as carbon doping mechanism. Current-collapse effects much larger than experimentally observed are instead predicted by simulations if C doping is accounted by dominant acceptor states. This suggests that buffer growth conditions favoring CN-CGa autocompensation can allow for the fabrication of power AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with reduced current-collapse effects. The drain-source capacitance of these devices is found to be a sensitive function of the C doping model, suggesting that its monitoring can be adopted as a fast technique to assess buffer compensation properties.
烯醇化酶ENO1抑制非小细胞肺癌细胞上皮间质转换

背景与目的 已有的研究表明：上皮间质转换（epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EMT）是非小细胞肺癌发展和转移的一个重要过程，受到众多信号通路的精细调节。 经典的丝裂原活化激酶（mitogen activated protein kinase, MAPK）信号通路是转化生长因子（transforming growth factor β, TGFβ）诱导EMT发生的必要条件。 本研究以非小细胞肺癌细胞系A549为模型，对烯醇化酶（enolase-1, ENO1）影响细胞EMT过程的分子机制进行了初步研究。 方法 建立稳定过表达ENO1的A549细胞，用划痕实验检测细胞运动能力；用Western blot技术检测EMT过程相关分子标志物的变化；通过TGFβ-1诱导实验检测ENO1过表达对EMT的影响；通过上皮生长因子（epidermal growth factor, EGF）诱导实验和Western blot检测ENO1过表达引起胞外信号调节激酶（extracellular signal regulated protein kinase, ERK）磷酸化的改变。 结果 ENO1过表达抑制A549细胞侧向迁移能力。 ENO1过表达还会引起上皮样标志物E-cadherin表达上调，同时间质样标志物N-cadherin和Vimentin表达下降；TGFβ-1诱导实验也证实了ENO1对EMT进程的抑制作用。 EGF活化实验显示ENO1对ERK磷酸化的抑制作用。 结论 在非小细胞肺癌细胞中，ENO1具有抑制细胞EMT的作用，且很可能是通过抑制MAPK通路来实现。
Regional anatomy of the pedunculopontine nucleus: Relevance for deep brain stimulation

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is currently being investigated as a potential deep brain stimulation target to improve gait and posture in Parkinson's disease. This review examines the complex anatomy of the PPN region and suggests a functional mapping of the surrounding nuclei and fiber tracts that may serve as a guide to a more accurate placement of electrodes while avoiding potentially adverse effects. The relationships of the PPN were examined in different human brain atlases. Schematic representations of those structures in the vicinity of the PPN were generated and correlated with their potential stimulation effects. By providing a functional map and representative schematics of the PPN region, we hope to optimize the placement of deep brain stimulation electrodes, thereby maximizing safety and clinical efficacy. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Role of Natural Killer Cells in Hepatitis C Infection

HCV infection is an exponentially growing health burden worldwide, with an estimated 170 million people infected. Although therapies for HCV are continually improving, there remain a considerable proportion of patients who do not achieve viral eradication and develop liver disease. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for T-cell activation and are one of the first-line sentinel cell responders to viral infection. A recent explosion in studies exploring the role of NK cells in HCV infection has yielded important mechanistic information and intriguing potential therapeutic options for HCV infection. This review provides a general overview of normal NK cell function and outlines some of the important mechanisms characterizing the immune interplay between NK cells and HCV infection.
Lysis of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Entamoeba histolytica by human complement: methodological analysis

Summary The effect of nonimmune human serum on Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites was studied: (a) using whole serum in the presence of Ca and Mg ions allowing complement activation via both the alternative and classical pathways or in the presence of MgEGTA permitting alternative pathway activation only; (b) using different E. histolytica isolates; (c) varying serum and trophozoite concentrations and the time of incubation; and (d) using three different methods to quantify lysis, i.e., microscopic inspection, flow cytometry and 111In release. All three methods yielded similar results, with flow cytometry being most sensitive in identifying membrane damage and 111In release being most valid in determining cell death. Microscopic analysis was reliable only when a chamber was used to calculate the number of complement treated cells in relation to the initial cell count. E. histolytica isolates were classified into three groups according to their susceptibility to lysis by complement: (i) pathogenic isolates after long term cultivation in vitro were susceptible; (ii) pathogenic isolates after recent in vivo passage were less susceptible; and (iii) nonpathogenic isolates were nearly unaffected by exposure to the alternative pathway alone. The extent of lysis of the various isolates correlated with the degree of complement consumption in the serum samples, suggesting that unlysed isolates did not activate complement under the conditions employed. In general, lysis of susceptible trophozoites increased with the serum concentration and with the time of incubation. However, when the trophozoite concentration was 106/ml or higher, lysis no longer reflected complement susceptibility because of exhaustion of the complement supply.
The effects of setarud on the immunological status of HIV-positive patients: Efficacy of a novel multi-herbal drug

Objective: This study examines the effect of the addition of IMOD, a novel multi-herbal drug to the highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen, on the immunological status of HIV-positive patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized two-parallel-group (HAART group versus HAART+IMOD group), pretest-posttest design was used.Sixty patients with indications for treatment with the HAART regimen participated. One week before and 2 days after the treatments, immunological parameters including total lymphocyte count (TLC) and CD4 cell count were assessed.The intervention group received the HAART regimen plus IMOD every day for 3 months. The control group received only the HAART regimen every day for 3 months. Results: In the intervention group, a significant difference was observed in CD4between before and after drug therapy (CD4 was increased). However, in the control group, the difference in CD4 was not significant before and after drug therapy. The difference in TLC was not significantly different between the two groups before and after therapy. Nevertheless, TLC was higher in the intervention group. Conclusion: IMOD (as a herbal drug) has been successfully added to the HAART regimen to improve the immunological status of HIV-positive patients.
Cytochrome P450 Activity and Endothelial Dysfunction in Insulin Resistance

Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation attributable to nitric oxide/prostacyclin-independent factor (endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor; EDHF) has been demonstrated in the small mesenteric arteries of insulin-resistant rats. The purpose of this study was to determine if modulation of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system would restore EDHF-mediated relaxation in insulin-resistant rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control (n = 32) or insulin-resistant (n = 32) groups. Each group was further randomized to treatment (n = 48) or placebo (n = 16). Miconazole (3 days) and phenobarbital (3 and 14 days) achieved cytochrome P450 inhibition and induction, respectively. Following drug treatment, mean arterial pressure was measured and vascular function was assessed in small mesenteric arteries in vitro. Specifically, acetylcholine-induced relaxation alone and in the presence of indomethacin plus N-nitro-L-arginine (LNNA) or KCl was determined. Miconazole reduced the maximal relaxation in response to acetylcholine in control rats. Similarly, in the presence of LNNA plus indomethacin, acetylcholine-induced relaxation was impaired in the miconazole-treated control group versus the placebo group, whereas relaxation in the presence of KCl was unchanged. Miconazole did not affect relaxation in insulin-resistant arteries. In contrast, 3- and 14-day treatment with phenobarbital significantly improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation in insulin-resistant arteries. Likewise, acetylcholine-mediated relaxation in the presence of LNNA plus indomethacin was also improved after phenobarbital treatment, while relaxation in the presence of KCl was unchanged. Phenobarbital treatment did not affect the control group. Miconazole treatment increased the mean arterial pressure in control rats, while 14-day phenobarbital treatment normalized the mean arterial pressure in insulin-resistant rats. Cytochrome P450 induction results in the restoration of EDHF-mediated relaxation in small mesenteric arteries and the normalization of mean arterial pressure in insulin-resistant rats. Thus, endothelial dysfunction secondary to insulin resistance can be reversed by the induction of cytochrome P450.