Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of strain relaxation on the drain conductance in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

The aim of this work is to study the potential offered by microwave power in the device AlmGa1-mN/GaN HEMT. The effects of technological and electrical parameters such as the aluminum mole fraction "m", the thickness of the AlGaN doped layer "dd" and doping concentration "Nd" in the output conductance are studied taking into account the effects of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations in the heterojunction AlGaN/GaN and the relaxation of the crystal lattice induced by the aluminum mole fraction. We presented an analytical model for the electrons concentration "ns" in the 2DEG and the current Ids in the channel for strong inversion regime by solving the Poisson equation and Schrödinger self-consistent calculations. From the analytical model of the current Ids including the effects of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations, and lattice relaxation, the output conductance gds according to the voltage Vds are deduced. We note that, the increasing of "m" and "Nd" increase the carrier density "ns" in the 2DEG. Although, the increase of the doped layer thickness increases the output conductance. The influence of the crystal lattice relaxation on the electrical performance acts directly on the threshold voltage if the value of the mole fraction exceeds 0.38.
ClpP of Streptococcus mutans Differentially Regulates Expression of Genomic Islands, Mutacin Production, and Antibiotic Tolerance

ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans is the primary etiological agent of human dental caries and, at times, of infective endocarditis. Within the oral cavity, the pathogen is subjected to conditions of stress. A well-conserved protein complex named ClpP (caseinolytic protease) plays a vital role in adaptation under stress conditions. To gain a better understanding of the global role of the ClpP protease in cellular homeostasis, a transcriptome analysis was performed using a ΔclpP mutant strain. The expression levels of more than 100 genes were up- or downregulated in the ΔclpP mutant compared to the wild type. Notably, the expression of genes in several genomic islands, such as TnSmu1 and TnSmu2, was differentially modulated in the ΔclpP mutant strain. ClpP deficiency also increased the expression of genes associated with a putative CRISPR locus. Furthermore, several stress-related genes and genes encoding bacteriocin-related peptides and many transcription factors were also found to be altered in the ΔclpP mutant strain. A comparative analysis of the two-dimensional protein profile of the wild type and the ΔclpP mutant strains showed altered protein profiles. Comparison of the transcriptome data with the proteomic data identified four common gene products, suggesting that the observed altered protein expression of these genes could be due to altered transcription. The results presented here indicate that ClpP-mediated proteolysis plays an important global role in the regulation of several important traits in this pathogen.
Markers of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease in bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES Increased immune sensitivity to dietary gluten proteins has been reported in schizophrenia but has not been studied in bipolar disorder. In this study, we examine the levels of antibody reactivity to gliadin, deamidated gliadin, and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in individuals with bipolar disorder and compare these levels to those in individuals who do not have any history of psychiatric disorder. METHODS The sample of 275 individuals included 102 with bipolar disorder and 173 controls without a psychiatric disorder. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to gliadin and tTG and IgG antibodies to deamidated gliadin were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Participants' levels of antibodies to deamidated gliadin and tTG were classified based on the cutoffs for positivity that are predictive of celiac disease. Quantitative levels of antibodies were compared between groups employing regression models which were controlled for demographic variables. RESULTS Individuals with bipolar disorder had increased levels of IgG antibodies to gliadin compared with controls in multivariate analyses. We also found evidence of increased levels of antibodies to deamidated gliadin in the bipolar disorder population. The levels of IgA class antigliadin antibodies and antibodies to tTG did not differ significantly between groups. There was also not a significant difference between groups in the number of persons who were classified as having levels of antibodies to deamidated gliadin or tTG that are predictive of celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with bipolar disorder have increased levels of IgG antibodies to gliadin. However, such antibody increase is not accompanied by an elevation in IgA antibodies to gliadin or the celiac disease-associated antibodies against deamidated gliadin and tTG. These results warrant further detailed examination of the molecular specificity and pattern of reactivity of the antibody response to gluten antigens in bipolar disorder.
Low prevalence of atrial fibrillation in asymptomatic adults in Geneva, Switzerland.

AIMS To determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a population-based sample of adults. METHODS AND RESULTS Between January 2005 and December 2007 individuals aged > or =50 years, residents of the city of Geneva, who had participated in a previous random survey were invited for follow-up examination. AF was assessed on a single resting 6-lead ECG. Reported prevalences were standardized for the age distribution of Canton Geneva. Overall participation was 72.8%. Twenty-nine cases of AF (22 men) were diagnosed among 3285 subjects (1696 men). The crude prevalence of AF (95% CI) was 0.88% (0.86, 0.90) overall, but higher in men [1.30% (1.26, 1.34)] than in women [0.44% (0.41, 0.47)]. The age-standardized AF prevalence was slightly higher [overall: 0.94% (0.91, 0.97), men: 1.23% (1.19, 1.27), women: 0.54% (0.47, 0.61)]. AF prevalence increased with age in both sexes. A 'history of suspected arterial embolism' (brain or legs) was higher in the AF cases (10.3 vs. 3.3%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION This population-based survey of a general Swiss population indicates that the prevalence of AF remains below 1%. These results are less alarming than those from previous studies based on patients seeking medical care.
Automatically texture extraction, mapping and 3D visualizaiton of buildings facades based on high resolution aerial photos

True orthoimage (TOM) was proposed to solve the problems that DOM generation encountered with high resolution images in urban areas, especially in the areas with high buildings. The correct positions of roof texture are located with the detection of the occlusion and shadows. However, the wall texture is missing after true orthoimage generation. Thus, in this paper, we proposed a method for automatically texture extraction, mapping and 3D visualization of buildings facades based on high resolution aerial photos. There are four major steps: 1) Visibility judgment based on occlusion detection and angle; 2) Optimal texture source selection; 3) Real texture extraction and mapping of building facades; 4) 3D visualization with real texture of building facades. This research can largely reduce workload and provides reference and guidance for applying high resolution images to generate real 3D urban reconstruction.
Capitalising on Collective Punishment: Siege Tactics in the Syrian Conflict

The conflict in Syria has had a devastating impact on its people – by the end of 2015, the United Nations estimated that over 250,000 people had died throughout the previous four years of conflict, over half of Syria’s population had been displaced, and more than 4 million Syrians had sought refuge in neighbouring countries. How has Bashar al-Assad clung on to power? How can we explain the longevity of the conflict in Syria? Rather than focusing on sectarian identities or third party interventions, this thesis investigates a new variable – siege tactics. Based on survey responses from residents of besieged areas in Syria, and interviews with diplomatic and humanitarian officials, the study argues that an exploration of siege tactics highlights various factors that contributed to the intractability of the fighting. A system of categorising sieges is also proposed. Firstly, examining siege warfare as a feature of counter-insurgency is crucial to understanding how Bashar al-Assad’s regime managed to survive by isolating areas of dissent and protecting its key strongholds. Arguing that the authoritarian nature of the Syrian regime helps explain its ability to conduct brutal campaigns of collective punishment, sieges are presented as a key element of the regime’s survival even as it suffered debilitating shortages in manpower. Secondly, the thesis examines the emergence of the war economy in Syria, and its various manifestations in besieged areas. Exploring the legacy of corruption and illicit
Two-Year Follow-Up Results of Fluoroscopic Cervical Epidural Injections in Chronic Axial or Discogenic Neck Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of cervical interlaminar epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids for the management of axial or discogenic pain in patients without disc herniation, radiculitis, or facet joint pain. Summary of Background Data: Cervical discogenic pain without disc herniation is a common cause of suffering and disability in the adult population. Once conservative management has failed and facet joint pain has been excluded, cervical epidural injections may be considered as a management tool. Despite a paucity of evidence, cervical epidural injections are one of the most commonly performed nonsurgical interventions in the management of chronic axial or disc-related neck pain. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients without disc herniation or radiculitis and negative for facet joint pain as determined by means of controlled diagnostic medial branch blocks were randomly assigned to one of the 2 treatment groups. Group I patients received cervical interlaminar epidural injections of local anesthetic (lidocaine 0.5%, 5 mL), whereas Group II patients received 0.5% lidocaine, 4 mL, mixed with 1 mL or 6 mg of nonparticulate betamethasone. The primary outcome measure was ≥ 50% improvement in pain and function. Outcome assessments included numeric rating scale (NRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), opioid intake, employment, and changes in weight. Results: Significant pain relief and functional improvement (≥ 50%) was present at the end of 2 years in 73% of patients receiving local anesthetic only and 70% receiving local anesthetic with steroids. In the successful group of patients, however, defined as consistent relief with 2 initial injections of at least 3 weeks, significant improvement was illustrated in 78% in the local anesthetic group and 75% in the local anesthetic with steroid group at the end of 2 years. The results reported at the one-year follow-up were sustained at the 2-year follow-up. Conclusions: Cervical interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids may provide significant improvement in pain and functioning in patients with chronic discogenic or axial pain that is function-limiting and not related to facet joint pain.
Deep echo attenuation without calcification increases the risk of periprocedural myonecrosis after elective percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical factors, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings, associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related periprocedural myonecrosis (PM) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS The study included 46 patients (mean age 65±2 y, 37 men) with stable CAD who underwent elective PCI using IVUS and a Doppler flow guidewire. In addition to routine IVUS measurements, the presence of deep echo attenuation (DEA) without calcification was assessed. The sum of all high-intensity transient signals (HITS) after a balloon deflation procedure was calculated using a Doppler flow guidewire. PM was defined as an elevation in troponin T to >0.03 ng/mL 24-hour after PCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of PM. RESULTS PM was identified in 17 patients (37%). Estimated glomerular filtration ratio was lower in the PM group (p=0.021). Target vessel distribution was different between the groups (p=0.004). Positive remodeling and DEA, as observed on IVUS, were more common in the PM group (p=0.03 and p<0.0001, respectively). The total number of HITS was higher in the PM group (p=0.003). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of DEA (p=0.003) was the sole factor associated with the occurrence of PM. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that DEA is an important factor associated with PM in patients who underwent an elective PCI. Therefore, IVUS to determine the presence of DEA should be performed before PCI.
Fundamental Movement Skills and Motivational Factors Influencing Engagement in Physical Activity

To assess whether subgroups based on children's fundamental movement skills, perceived competence, and self-determined motivation toward physical education vary with current self-reported physical activity, a sample of 316 Finnish Grade 7 students completed fundamental movement skills measures and self-report questionnaires assessing perceived competence, self-determined motivation toward physical education, and current physical activity. Cluster analysis indicated a three-cluster structure: “Low motivation/low skills profile,” “High skills/low motivation profile,” and “High skills/ high motivation profile. ” Analysis of variance indicated that students in the third cluster engaged in significantly more physical activity than students of clusters one and two. These results provide support for previous claims regarding the importance of the relationship of fundamental movement skills with continuing engagement in physical activity. High fundamental movement skills, however, may represent only one element in maintaining adolescents' engagement in physical activity.
Juvenile and adult problems in 20 forensic psychiatric rapists in Sweden

The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of background variables of 20 convicted rapists. The sample comprised two distinct forensic psychiatric subgroups undergoing different treatments. Data were extracted from forensic psychiatric files. The study variables were juvenile and adult problems of the offenders, related by previous research to the occurrence of rape. Records of juvenile problems and juvenile psychological disturbances tended to co-occur with adult problems of aggressiveness, alcoholism and extensive criminality. The correlation analysis further supports the notion that psychosocial disturbances have a persistent character: in our sample, different problems in young age are linked to each other as well as to adulthood problems. The results are discussed in the light of empirical research and the need for early and proper individual treatment programmes.
A high-linearity broadband 55 – 77 GHz differential low-noise amplifier with 20 dB gain in SiGe technology

This paper presents a broadband differential current re-use low-noise amplifier with 30% fractional bandwidth at a center frequency of 66 GHz. The circuit has been manufactured in an advanced SiGe:C HBT technology with ft/fmax = 220/285 GHz. The amplifier is unconditionally stable and achieves a maximum differential gain of 19.7 dB while operating over a 3-dB bandwidth of 22 GHz. At the upper corner frequency of 77GHz the amplifier exhibits a noise figure of 5.8 dB and linearity measurements show a 1-dB output referred compression point above +3 dBm. The circuit consumes 40mW from a 3.3V supply and occupies a chip area of 728 × 728µm2 including bond pads.
Economic Solutions to Medical Queuing: A Policy Model with Random Sampling

The paper shows that the formulation of economic criteria and their application to facilitate resolving social queues in the health sector can bring about higher social welfare levels and can be superior to, current practices of allocating scarce public services on the many demanders of the service. The model makes use of the Quality Adjusted Life Years, QALY, as an indication of the effectiveness of medical attention in terms of gained life years in good health after treatment. The model introduces the lifetime earnings of patients and links them to the QALY. Selection of patients to be treated is based on productivity as represented by the prospective income earnings of the queuing patients. Random sampling simulation (i.e. Monte Carlo method) show that patient selection based on maximizing discounted lifetime earnings would release resources that can be used for treating more patients and thus reduce waiting time, and reduce the overall cost pressures. The results will show a convergence between efficiency and fairness goals.Although the application is for the health sector in the Netherlands around 2000, the problem of social queues is not unique for health services, or developed countries. Social queues can be observed in specific educations, subsidised housing, unemployment retraining, poverty alleviation, and for many public goods in predominantly centrally planned economies. The model is sufficiently general so as to apply to more areas of social queuing than health services and to various countries and periods as well.
A study of interstellar aldehydes and enols as tracers of a cosmic ray-driven nonequilibrium synthesis of complex organic molecules

Significance Since the detection of the methylidyne radical (CH) in the interstellar medium nearly 80 y ago, about 200 molecules ranging from molecular hydrogen to fullerenes have been identified in interstellar and circumstellar environments, but the synthesis of complex organic molecules (COMs)––organics containing several atoms of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen––has remained elusive to date. Here, we provide compelling evidence via laboratory experiments, computations, and modeling that the synthesis of COMs is driven by a cosmic-ray-triggered nonequilibrium chemistry within interstellar ices at temperatures as low as 10 K. These fundamental reaction mechanisms are of major significance to facilitate an understanding of the origin and evolution of the molecular universe. Complex organic molecules such as sugars and amides are ubiquitous in star- and planet-forming regions, but their formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive until now. Here we show in a combined experimental, computational, and astrochemical modeling study that interstellar aldehydes and enols like acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and vinyl alcohol (C2H3OH) act as key tracers of a cosmic-ray-driven nonequilibrium chemistry leading to complex organics even deep within low-temperature interstellar ices at 10 K. Our findings challenge conventional wisdom and define a hitherto poorly characterized reaction class forming complex organic molecules inside interstellar ices before their sublimation in star-forming regions such as SgrB2(N). These processes are of vital importance in initiating a chain of chemical reactions leading eventually to the molecular precursors of biorelevant molecules as planets form in their interstellar nurseries.
ASSESSMENT OF DREDGING-INDUCED SEDIMENTATION ON WINTER FLOUNDER SPAWNING HABITAT

This study investigates the fate of sediment suspended due to dredging in Newark Bay, New Jersey to characterize exposure of winter flounder spawning habitat. Winter flounder is a recreationally and commercially significant species which has experienced a steady population decline over the last twenty years. Winter flounder eggs are demersal and adhesive. Possible factors affecting spawning habitat are currently being investigated, including net deposition on eggs during dredging operations. To investigate potential egg exposures to elevated sedimentation rates, a numerical modeling study was conducted. The three-dimensional hydrodynamic model CH3D-WES (Curvilinear Hydrodynamic model in Three Dimension, Waterways Experiment Station version) was applied to Newark Bay and adjacent water bodies. The model was calibrated to water level and current data. Bottom stresses during January of 2008 were estimated and analyzed to assess depositional environments in the bay. The Particle Tracking Model (PTM), linked to the Newark Bay CH3D model, was utilized to simulate dredged sediment transport and deposition. The development of tools which reliably predict sediment transport due to dredging operations represents a critical advance to the field of dredged material management. These predictions can be used to assess the impact of dredging and placement operations on contaminant transport, sensitive habitat, endangered species, rehandling, and beneficial use activity. PTM is a Lagrangian particle tracking model specifically designed to assess the fate of specified sediment sources, such as dredging operations. Relevant hydrodynamic processes are provided to PTM from CH3D and PTM includes all relevant sediment and dredging processes. For this application, PTM was used to simulate dredging operations representative of typical conditions for maintenance dredging. Model results from this application quantified deposition in possible winter flounder spawning habitat, primarily in shoals within Newark Bay. Results indicate that deposition in these habitat areas would be significantly less than the amount required to detrimentally impact spawning.
Using a theoretical ecospace to quantify the ecological diversity of Paleozoic and modern marine biotas

Abstract The process of evolution hinders our ability to make large-scale ecological comparisons—such as those encompassing marine biotas spanning the Phanerozoic—because the compared entities are taxonomically and morphologically dissimilar. One solution is to focus instead on life habits, which are repeatedly discovered by taxa because of convergence. Such an approach is applied to a comparison of the ecological diversity of Paleozoic (Cambrian–Devonian) and modern marine biotas from deep-subtidal, soft-substrate habitats. Ecological diversity (richness and disparity) is operationalized by using a standardized ecospace framework that can be applied equally to extant and extinct organisms and is logically independent of taxonomy. Because individual states in the framework are chosen a priori and not customized for particular taxa, the framework fulfills the requirements of a universal theoretical ecospace. Unique ecological life habits can be recognized as each discrete, n-dimensional combination of character states in the framework. Although the basic unit of analysis remains the organism, the framework can be applied to other entities—species, clades, or multispecies assemblages—for the study of comparative paleoecology and ecology. Because the framework is quantifiable, it is amenable to analytical techniques used for morphological disparity. Using these methods, I demonstrate that the composite Paleozoic biota is approximately as rich in life habits as the sampled modern biota, but that the life habits in the modern biota are significantly more disparate than those in the Paleozoic; these results are robust to taphonomic standardization. Despite broadly similar distributions of life habits revealed by multivariate ordination, the modern biota is composed of life habits that are significantly enriched, among others, in mobility, infaunality, carnivory, and exploitation of other organisms (or structures) for occupation of microhabitats.