Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Single Event Response and Hardening Methods in 1.2 kV SiC Power MOSFET With Multicell and Termination Structure

In this article, the single event response and hardening methods of 1.2 kV silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFET with multicell and field limiting rings (FLRs) termination structure are investigated by using numerical simulations. Our studies reveal that the termination region is insensitive to single-event burnout (SEB) due to the floating state (no grounded contact hole). It can be found that the electric potential difference along the penetrating path is small. Thus, the Kirk effect could not occur. Conversely, at the cell region, the whole area is connected with the source contact hole, the Kirk effect happens unavoidably if the high bias voltage is applied, leading to a continuous current generation with a local hot spot. Meanwhile, it can be found that the intersection of the cell and termination region is the most sensitive area when the strike position is near the contact hole. In this situation, the huge carriers are generated by the avalanche multiplication behavior like in the cell region. Then, the current will flow along the surface region, resulting in a continual current generation with a local temperature rising. Furthermore, a new hardening technique with a shortened metal plate is proposed. Simulation results indicate that the new structure can alleviate the current accumulation at the intersection region, bringing a better SEB tolerance.
CMIP5‐predicted climate shifts over the East Mediterranean: implications for the transition region between Mediterranean and semi‐arid climates

The effect of climate change on the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) region, a region that reflects a transition between Mediterranean and semi‐arid climates, was examined. This transition region is affected by global changes such as the expansion of the Hadley cell, which leads to a poleward shift of the subtropical dry zone. The Hadley cell expansion forces the migration of jet streams and storm tracks poleward from their standard course, potentially increasing regional desertification. This article focuses on the northern coastline of Israel along the EM region where most wet synoptic systems (i.e. systems that may lead to precipitation) are generated. The current climate was compared to the predicted mid‐21st century climate based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios using four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. A warming of 1.1–2.6 °C was predicted for this region. The models predicted that rain in the region will become less frequent, with a reduction of 1.2–3.4% in 6‐h intervals classified as wet synoptic systems and a 10–22% reduction in wet events. They further predicted that the maximum wet event duration in the mid‐21st century would become shorter relative to the current climate, implying that extremely long wet systems will become less frequent. Three of the models predicted shrinking of the wet season length by up to 15%. All models predicted an increasing occurrence frequency of Active Red Sea Troughs (ARSTs) for the RCP8.5 scenario by up to 11% by the mid‐21st century. For the RCP4.5 scenario, a similar increase of up to 6% was predicted by two of the models.
Hypoxia and HIF-1α Regulate the Activity and Expression of Na,K-ATPase Subunits in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts

The optimal function of the Na,K-ATPase (NKA) pump is essential for the heart. In ischemic heart disease, NKA activity decreases due to the decreased expression of the pump subunits. Here, we tested whether the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF-1α), the key signaling molecule regulating the adaptation of cells to hypoxia, is involved in controlling the expression and cellular dynamics of α1- and β1-NKA isoforms and of NKA activity in in-vitro hypoxic H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. HIF-1α was silenced through adenoviral infection, and cells were kept in normoxia (19% O2) or hypoxia (1% O2) for 24 h. We investigated the mRNA and protein expression of α1-, β1-NKA using RT-qPCR and Western blot in whole-cell lysates, cell membranes, and cytoplasmic fractions after labeling the cell surface with NHS-SS-biotin and immunoprecipitation. NKA activity and intracellular ATP levels were also measured. We found that in hypoxia, silencing HIF-1α prevented the decreased mRNA expression of α1-NKA but not of β1-NKA. Hypoxia decreased the plasma membrane expression of α1-NKA and β1- NKA compared to normoxic cells. In hypoxic cells, HIF-1α silencing prevented this effect by inhibiting the internalization of α1-NKA. Total protein expression was not affected. The decreased activity of NKA in hypoxic cells was fully prevented by silencing HIF-1α independent of cellular ATP levels. This study is the first to show that in hypoxic H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, HIF-1α controls the internalization and membrane insertion of α1-NKA subunit and of NKA activity. The mechanism behind this regulation needs further investigation.
A dual‐porosity model for water level response to atmospheric loading in wells tapping fractured rock aquifers

A fractured rock aquifer may be viewed as a permeable fracture network embedded within a less permeable porous matrix. This permeability contrast gives rise to distinct pressure fields in the pore space and fractures, and therefore to a response to atmospheric loading different from that of nonfractured porous media. Assuming that fracture sizes and orientations are uncorrelated and sufficiently random to ensure homogeneous and isotropic elastic behavior of the rock mass at the continuum scale, an effective stress model proposed by Tuncay and Corapcioglu [1995] is used to develop a linear elastic stress‐strain relationship for dual‐porosity media. Elastic constants of the fractured rock mass, required by the model, are estimated using theoretical relations derived by Budiansky and O'Connell [1976]. The stress‐strain relationship and the coupled continuity equations for flow in deformable fractured media are combined to derive expressions for the undrained, static‐confined barometric efficiency of a dual‐porosity medium. Two limiting cases are considered: the initial, instantaneous pressure response in the pore space and fractures due to a change of confining stress, and the later stage of pressure equilibrium between the two phases. The dual‐porosity response model developed here may be used to characterize hydraulic properties in fractured aquifers, including low‐porosity and low‐permeability media. The model is evaluated on water level hydrograph data from a borehole tapping fractured volcanic rocks. Water level and barometric data are supplemented by independent measurements of matrix porosities, fracture spacing, and rock elastic properties, allowing an assessment of total porosity and specific storage at the site. For the observed static‐confined barometric efficiency of 0.78 the instantaneous pressure response model yields plausible values for both parameters.
Volatilization of Polychlorinated-Biphenyls from Green Bay, Lake-Michigan

The volatilization of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from Green Bay was estimated as part of the Green Bay Mass Balance Study (U.S. EPA). The strategy employed was to simultaneously collect air and water samples above and below the air-water interface, analyze the atmospheric gas phase and the water column dissolved phase for 85 PCB congeners, and calculate the direction and magnitude of flux for each congener using Henry's law and meterological and hydrological parameters. Sampling covered the period of June through October 1989
Transarterial chemoembolization versus radioembolization as a
 treatment option for single large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma: a
 retrospective study in South Korea

Objective: To date, there has been no study comparing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in these patients, so this study was designed to determine which treatment is more effective and safer between TACE and TARE. Methods: From January 2011 to May 2017, patients who received TACE or TARE as a first-line treatment for single large hepatocellular carcinoma at Severance Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. We compared proportion of transition to curative surgery, response rate, the overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS). We also compared side effects, and post-procedure liver function between the two groups. Results: Baseline characteristics between the two groups showed no significant difference. There was no difference in the ratio who underwent radical resection and liver transplantation as follow-up treatment, and in OS and PFS. However, disease control rate at 3month was higher in TARE group (100.0% in TARE group versus 54.5% in TACE group, p = 0.009). And in terms of post-procedural side effects, fever was lower in the TARE group than TACE group (0.0% vs. 76.9%, p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay was shorter in the TARE group (3.79 vs. 5.92 days, p = 0.003). In the post-procedural lab, ALT was significantly lower in the TARE group on the day after the procedure. Conclusion: As a treatment for single large HCC under the same conditions, TARE is similar in terms of survival to TACE, but it is advantageous in terms of response rate and side effects. However, more follow-up studies are needed to increase reliability.
Surveillance of Aedes aegypti (L.) Mosquitoes in Mumbai International Seaport (India) to Monitor Potential Global Health Risks

Aedes mosquitoes are highly invasive and can survive almost any climatic conditions. They transmit a number of major world's deadly diseases. Therefore, a study was undertaken during December 2010 to evaluate the entomo-epidemiological risk of Aedes mosquito borne diseases (VBD) in Mumbai international seaport areas to minimize potential global health risks and prevent introduction of new VBD in India. Surveys were undertaken in operational and residential areas of Mumbai Port Trust (MPT). All the entomological indices were found to be above the critical level, prescribed for seaports by International Health Regulations Act, 2005. The operational areas where large goods are handled from cargo ships were found to be more prone to mosquito breeding comparing to residential areas. High insecticide tolerance of Aedes aegypti population against temephos and fenthion from Mumbai port area is reported for the first time. A careful and regular invigilation of the international seaports to prevent building up of vector density of dengue/chikungunya and yellow fever is recommended.
Coherent lives: Making sense of adoptees’ experiences in education through narrative identity

Children adopted from care become part of a hidden, but no less vulnerable, group in the education system and may be overlooked for allocation of additional support and guidance. Adoption is a relatively unique experience and adds layers of complexity, difference and vulnerability to young people's lives that are poorly understood and under‐researched. Adopted adolescents face significant challenges in social, emotional and behavioural aspects of school life. An attainment gap persists throughout their educational career. Adoptees are strikingly absent from many conversations regarding care‐experienced young people yet their needs and challenges are comparable with those of their peers remaining in the care system. Assumptions are made about adoptees’ opportunity and capacity to recover, concealing challenges faced in adjusting to adoptive life, including education. The impact of adoptees’ early experiences could lead to complex identity formation processes during adolescence, with potential implications for education experience and performance. This paper explores the potential of applying a narrative adoptive identity perspective to answer questions about how adopted children and young people experience school as an adopted person, i.e. how does their lived experience as an adopted member of a school community impact on their engagement with school, schoolwork and peer networks? The concept of ‘communicative openness’ is used to illustrate the vital role the school community plays in enabling adopted children to transition into and thrive in school. Taking a narrative adoptive identity approach may enable teachers to better meet adoptees’ specific learning and teaching needs as dictated by their unique experiences and enhance opportunities for better educational progress.
Binary Programmable Optical Pulse Repetition-Rate Multiplication Based on Real-Time Fourier Transform

We propose and demonstrate a novel scheme to flexibly generate optical pulse trains with programmable repetition rates using newly designed binary modulation coefficients. The required coefficients are devised based on the principle of real-time Fourier transform (RTFT). By applying binary modulation with a Mach-Zehnder intensity modulator on a periodic pulse train prior to temporal Talbot processing, the multiplication factor can be easily manipulated. As a proof-of-concept, we have successfully produced pulse trains of different repetition rates reaching 250 GHz from a 10-GHz input, corresponding to a programmable multiplication factor of up to 25. The measured radio frequency (RF) spectra of the 20-GHz to 50-GHz output pulse trains exhibit higher than 44-dB subharmonic suppression ratio, indicating high-quality multiplied outputs. Our scheme shows resilience to the extinction ratio of the Mach-Zehnder intensity modulator. We also investigate the phase noise and timing jitter evolution of the multiplied optical pulses. Unlike the conventional Talbot processing approach, our programmable scheme shows a reduction of the timing jitter as the multiplication factor increases. The tolerances of our scheme to non-ideal factors such as bias drift and binary coefficient deviation are numerically analyzed. In addition to pulse repetition-rate multiplication, we demonstrate the versatility of our binary modulation approach in programmable generation of pulsed optical waveforms.
Simulations of seasonal and geomagnetic activity effects at Saint Santin

Simulations from the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere-ionosphere general circulation model constitute controlled numerical experiments which may be used to assess current understanding of Earth's upper atmosphere. Comparisons with a long term data base are particularly valuable in this regard. Accordingly model simulations of geomagnetically quiet and active periods are compared with an observational database from Saint Santin. The simulations and observations are for equinox and northern summer and winter during solar cycle minimum. The observations consist of the diurnal variation of the meridional neutral winds near 300 km; harmonic analysis yielded the mean components and the 24-, 12-, 8-, and 6-hour waves. The model/data comparisons for the diurnal variations are good to excellent: differences are generally ≤ 25 m/s with largest differences typically occurring between 1800 and 0600 UT. In the observations, the diurnal component is approximately 60 m/s in amplitude and 12 hours in phase during quiet periods. These values persist during active periods except in summer when the diurnal amplitude falls to 47 m/s. The model predicts a weaker diurnal amplitude in winter than the observations indicate; it also does not predict the observed decrease of the diurnal amplitude in summer with increasing activity. Harmonic analysis of the data indicated that (1) 12-r and 8-hour waves are important in summer and equinox; in winter the variation is largely diurnal; (2) the semidiurnal and terdiurnal waves vary with season during quiet periods; and (3) the largest effect of geomagnetic activity is in the 12- and 8-hour waves. In the model, the semidiurnal and terdiurnal tides do not vary with season. Further, the effects of varying geomagnetic activity are predominantly in the diurnal component; the semidiurnal and terdiurnal tides in the TIGCM are relatively unaffected in marked contrast to the observations. The differences between the modeled and observed winds illustrate the pervasiveness and importance of variability in the atmosphere: in the high-latitude energy and momentum sources, in the solar forcing, and in the waves that originate in the lower atmosphere and penetrate the thermosphere.
Discussion on Wang et al. (2000) ‘Chemistry of Hf-rich zircons from the Laoshan I- and A-type granites, Eastern China’, Mineralogical Magazine, 64, 867-877

Abstract Wang et al. (2000) presented interesting new data on the occurrence of Hf-rich zircon in peralkaline granitic rocks. It is shown that the knowledge of the Hf distribution in zircon is important for the understanding of Zr/Hf ratios defined by whole-rock analysis. However, the processes leading to the unusual Zr/Hf fractionation are still poorly constrained. Some aspects are discussed further here. Analysis of available data demonstrates that extremely low Zr/Hf ratios found in topaz- and rare-metal bearing granites may be either a primary signature of some evolved granitic melts or, alternatively, they are produced during albitization of the rocks. Topaz- and rare-metal bearing granites may be P-rich and contain zircon moderately enriched in Hf (2-9 wt.% HfO2). Another group is P-poor and the Hf content in accessory zircon is high (up to 35 wt.% HfO2). Both types of intrusions may occur within a single orogen as demonstrated by the example of the Hercynian magmatism in the Erzgebirge/Krusne hory region (Germany/Czech Republic).
Erosion and rheology controls on synrift and postrift evolution: Verifying old and new ideas using a fully coupled numerical model

We use a fully coupled asymmetric dynamic finite element model to study interactions between thermomechanical behavior and surface processes during continental rift evolution. The model accounts for (1) nonlinear brittle-elastic-ductile rheology, layered lithological structure, and faulting; (2) heat transport and thermal buoyancy forces; and (3) “true” erosion and sedimentation (grid elements are eliminated and recreated). Faults are not predefined but are self-localized; their distributions and geometry are model outputs, which provides new geologically sensible constraints on its validity. We test previous ideas on rift evolution based on numerical and analytical component theories (or individual parts) of our model. After demonstrating that our coupled model reproduces classic rift features, we then demonstrate that synrift surface processes result in enhanced lithospheric thinning and widening of the basin, so that the apparent stretching factors increase by a factor of 1.5–2. Sedimentation results not only in thermal but also in localized flexural weakening of the lithosphere, which locally compensates strengthening due to cooling. Erosion on the uplifted flanks produces local strengthening and rebound. Surface processes produce pressure gradients, which drive a ductile crustal flow that (1) provides a fast feedback with tectonic processes and controls subsidence rates and flank stability and (2) drives a secondary extension or compression and uplift on the late synrift/early postrift phase. Our results indicate that kinematic and dynamic rift models that ignore erosion may produce misleading results in many rifts. We reproduced and explained a number of enigmatic synrift phenomena, such as (1) polyphase subsidence provoked by switching of the level of necking between different competent lithological layers and (2) synrift and postrift stagnation and vertical accelerations unassociated with tectonic stress inversion or phase changes.
Linear‐transform techniques for processing shear‐wave anisotropy in four‐component seismic data

Most published techniques for analyzing shear‐wave splitting tend to be computing intensive, and make assumptions, such as the orthogonality of the two split shear waves, which are not necessarily correct. We present a fast linear‐transform technique for analyzing shear‐wave splitting in four‐component (two sources/ two receivers) seismic data, which is flexible and widely applicable. We transform the four‐component data by simple linear transforms so that the complicated shear‐wave motion is linearized in a wide variety of circumstances. This allows various attributes to be measured, including the polarizations of faster split shear waves and the time delays between faster and slower split shear waves, as well as allowing the time series of the faster and slower split shear waves to be separated deterministically. In addition, with minimal assumptions, the geophone orientations can be estimated for zero‐offset verticle seismic profiles (VSPs), and the polarizations of the slower split shear waves can be .
Aging and Cerebral Glucose Metabolism: 18F-FDG-PET/CT Reveals Distinct Global and Regional Metabolic Changes in Healthy Patients

Alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism can be indicative of both normal and pathological aging processes. In this retrospective study, we evaluated global and regional neurological glucose metabolism in 73 healthy individuals (mean age: 35.8 ± 13.1 years; 82.5% female) using 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). This population exhibited a low prevalence of comorbidities associated with cerebrovascular risk factors. We utilized 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging and quantitative regional analysis to assess cerebral glucose metabolism. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between age and the global standardized uptake value mean (SUVmean) of FDG uptake (p = 0.000795), indicating a decrease in whole-brain glucose metabolism with aging. Furthermore, region-specific analysis identified significant correlations in four cerebral regions, with positive correlations in the basis pontis, cerebellar hemisphere, and cerebellum and a negative correlation in the lateral orbital gyrus. These results were further confirmed via linear regression analysis. Our findings reveal a nuanced understanding of how aging affects glucose metabolism in the brain, providing insight into normal neurology. The study underscores the utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT as a sensitive tool in monitoring these metabolic changes, highlighting its potential for the early detection of neurological diseases and disorders related to aging.
Association of Maternal Risk Factors with the Prevalence of Caesarean Section Deliveries: A Cross-Sectional Study

In the last few years, there has been a gradually increasing rate of caesarean section deliveries worldwide that negatively affects both mothers’ and children’s health. The present survey intended to explore the relations of common maternal risk factors with the prevalence of caesarean sections. This is a cross-sectional study including 5182 healthy mothers from geographically diverse regions of Greece, which has applied relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. An elevated 56.4% incidence of caesarean sections was noted. The prevalence of caesarean section deliveries was estimated to be 51.5% in private hospitals and 48.5% in public hospitals. Maternal age, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, excess gestational weight gain, preterm birth, financial status, smoking habits, and private type of birth hospital were considerably associated with a high probability of caesarean section, regardless of several confounders. In conclusion, caesarean section rates are constantly increasing, and various maternal risk factors additively elevate its incidence, which additionally enhances the likelihood of postpartum complications for both the mothers and their infants. Public health procedures and approaches are strongly recommended to notify future mothers of the potential risk factors that may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes of caesarean section delivery, highlighting its use only for emergency medical reasons and also promoting healthier nutritional and lifestyle habits that may reduce the increasing prevalence of caesarean section deliveries.