Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the x-ray reflectivity of the Co/Mo2C system upon thermal treatment

The Co-based multilayers have been shown promising optical mirrors for application in the EUV and soft x-ray ranges. Most multilayer systems cannot attain the reflectivity and resolution requirements assumed by theory because of interdiffusion and roughness. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the excellent material possessing optical performance in the EUV and soft x-ray ranges and propose solution to eliminate the interface imperfections or find out new efficient combinations. Here we propose a new system, namely the periodic Co/Mo2C multilayer. The multilayer systems are prepared by the magnetron sputtering and characterized by x-ray reflectivity at 8048 eV (Cu Kα emission) and with synchrotron radiation in the soft x-ray range at 778 eV. The measurements are used in order to determine the structural parameters (thickness, roughness and density) of the layers. The simulated reflectivity at 11° grazing angle with s-polarized is calculated to be 45% at 778 eV, if there is no interaction between the layers and no interfacial roughness, while experimentally reflectivity is limited to 25%. The relationship between the reflectivity and annealing up to a temperature of 600°C is also investigated. It shows that the Co/Mo2C multilayer is able to work up to 600°C. First the reflectivity increases to 27% at 300°C. After the reflectivity slightly decreases to 25% at 500°C and then we observe a reflectivity drop to 20% at 600°C. Relationship between the structural parameters and the reflectivity values is deduced from the fit of the experimental curves.
Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Filled with Gutta-Percha and Resilon Obturating Material: An In Vitro Study

Background: As per many studies endodontically treated teeth are widely considered to be more susceptible to fracture than vital teeth. Obturation strains and post placement have been a major cause of vertical root fracture. Present study was conducted to compare in vitro fracture resistance after filling with either Gutta-percha or Resilon by lateral condensation techniques in root canals. This study evaluated a new thermoplastic synthetic polymer based on polyester, which contains bioactive and radiopaque filler, Resilon performs every way as Gutta-percha except that it allows the bonding agent to attach to the resin core and the dentin wall thus forming a monoblock. Materials and Methods: In the present study 90 freshly extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolar teeth endodontically treated, were cut at the cemento-enamel junction, and were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each as teeth of Group A (Control) received no obturation, Group B teeth were obturated using Gutta-percha/AH26, and Group C teeth were obturated using Resilon/Epiphany obturating kit. Each specimen were mounted in acrylic in a polyvinyl ring and then tested for fracture resistance with the help of an universal testing machine. A compressive force was applied until the root is fractured. The data were subjected to analysis of variance for comparing mean difference of fracture resistance among three groups. Multiple comparisons among these groups were carried out by non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis analysis. A p value of <0.0001 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results: The results obtain after analysis showed no significant differences in the fracture resistance between the two tested groups of endodontic sealers. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present in-vitro study, Resilon/Epiphany sealer performs better than Gutta-percha/AH 26 sealer with lateral condensation technique.
Indications for portal pressure measurement in chronic liver disease

Abstract Portal hypertension leads to development of serious complications such as esophageal varices, ascites, renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. The importance of the degree of portal hypertension has been substantiated within recent years. Measurement of the portal pressure is simple and safe and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) independently predicts survival and development of complications such as ascites, HCC and bleeding from esophageal varices. Moreover, measurements of HVPG can be used to guide pharmacotherapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding. Assessment of HVPG should therefore be considered as a part of the general characterization of patients with portal hypertension in departments assessing and treating this condition.
Virtualization : A New Frontier for Database Tuning and Physical Design

Resource virtualization is currently being employed at all levels of the IT infrastructure to improve provisioning and manageability, with the goal of reducing total cost of ownership. This means that database systems will increasingly be run in virtualized environments, inside virtual machines. This has many benefits, but it also introduces new tuning and physical design problems that are of interest to the database research community. In this paper, we discuss how virtualization can benefit database systems, and we present the tuning problems it introduces, which relate to setting the new “tuning knobs” that control resource allocation to virtual machines in the virtualized environment. We present a formulation of the virtualization design problem, which focuses on setting resource allocation levels for different database workloads statically at deployment and configuration time. An important component of the solution to this problem is modeling the cost of a workload for a given resource allocation. We present an approach to this cost modeling that relies on using the query optimizer in a special virtualization-aware “what-if” mode. We also discuss the next steps in solving this problem, and present some long-term research directions.
Flow Cytometry and Scrape-loading / Dye Transfer as a Rapid Quantitative Measure of Intercellular Communication in Vitro 1

We describe two flow cytometric assays performed on populations of cells which have been stained with various fluorescent tracer molecules by the scrape-loading technique. One assay uses a simple one-color analysis on a flow cytometer by quantitating the fluorescence intensity of scrape-loaded lucifer yellow CM (LY) in individual cells. The other assay utilizes a two-color analysis on a cell sorter whereby cells which are initially loaded (donors) are identified by their uptake of both rhodamine isothiocyanate-dextran an â€¢ LY, whereas the recipients of dye transfer are identified as having LY only. Agents which have been shown to inhibit intercellular communication in other assays exhibit similar blocking activity in LY transfer and this is readily quantitated by flow cytometry. The two-color analysis has the added advantage of being able to identify both donors and recipients in a highly quantitative manner.
Variation and Information in White Blood Cell Differential Counts

The magnitude and sources of variation in the white blood cell (WBC) count and differential count affect their information content and clinical value. This study describes components of variation in the WBC count and differential, estimates the magnitude of each component, and uses computer simulations to compare the information conveyed by the total WBC count and by the WBC differential count, expressed as the number of each type of cell and as the percentage of each cell type. Biologic variation is much greater than statistical sampling variation in differential WBC counts, even when a relatively small number of cells is classified. The commonly reported neutrophil percentage is inferior both to the neutrophil count and to the total WBC count in its ability to detect neutrophilia and to detect recovery from elevated levels. This conclusion holds for single as well as for sequential WBC differential determinations and regardless of the level of test result at which the clinician considers disease to be present. The total WBC count and the neutrophil count differ little in performance, so a neutrophilic patient's return to normal levels can safely be detected and monitored by relying on the less expensive total WBC count and foregoing repeated requests for differential counts.
The Role of UPF0157 in the Folding of M. tuberculosis Dephosphocoenzyme A Kinase and the Regulation of the Latter by CTP

Background Targeting the biosynthetic pathway of Coenzyme A (CoA) for drug development will compromise multiple cellular functions of the tubercular pathogen simultaneously. Structural divergence in the organization of the penultimate and final enzymes of CoA biosynthesis in the host and pathogen and the differences in their regulation mark out the final enzyme, dephosphocoenzyme A kinase (CoaE) as a potential drug target. Methodology/Principal Findings We report here a complete biochemical and biophysical characterization of the M. tuberculosis CoaE, an enzyme essential for the pathogen's survival, elucidating for the first time the interactions of a dephosphocoenzyme A kinase with its substrates, dephosphocoenzyme A and ATP; its product, CoA and an intrinsic yet novel inhibitor, CTP, which helps modulate the enzyme's kinetic capabilities providing interesting insights into the regulation of CoaE activity. We show that the mycobacterial enzyme is almost 21 times more catalytically proficient than its counterparts in other prokaryotes. ITC measurements illustrate that the enzyme follows an ordered mechanism of substrate addition with DCoA as the leading substrate and ATP following in tow. Kinetic and ITC experiments demonstrate that though CTP binds strongly to the enzyme, it is unable to participate in DCoA phosphorylation. We report that CTP actually inhibits the enzyme by decreasing its Vmax. Not surprisingly, a structural homology search for the modeled mycobacterial CoaE picks up cytidylmonophosphate kinases, deoxycytidine kinases, and cytidylate kinases as close homologs. Docking of DCoA and CTP to CoaE shows that both ligands bind at the same site, their interactions being stabilized by 26 and 28 hydrogen bonds respectively. We have also assigned a role for the universal Unknown Protein Family 0157 (UPF0157) domain in the mycobacterial CoaE in the proper folding of the full length enzyme. Conclusions/Significance In view of the evidence presented, it is imperative to assign a greater role to the last enzyme of Coenzyme A biosynthesis in metabolite flow regulation through this critical biosynthetic pathway.
Automated equivalence checking of switch level circuits

A chip that is required to meet strict operating criteria in terms of speed, power, or area is commonly custom designed at the switch level. Traditional techniques for verifying these designs, based on simulation, are expensive in terms of resources and cannot completely guarantee correct operation. Formal verification methods, on the other hand, provide for a complete proof of correctness, and require less effort to setup. This paper presents Motorola's Switch Level Verification (SLV) tool, which employs detailed switch level analysis to model the behavior of MOS transistors and obtain an equivalent RTL model. This tool has been used for equivalence checking at the switch level for several years within Motorola for the PowerPC, M*Core and DSP custom blocks. We focus on the novel techniques employed in SLV, particularly in the areas of pre-charged and sequential logic analysis, and provide details on the automated and integrated equivalence checking flow in which the tool is used.
Organization of response areas in ferret primary auditory cortex.

1. We studied the topographic organization of the response areas obtained from single- and multiunit recordings along the isofrequency planes of the primary auditory cortex in the barbiturate-anesthetized ferret. 2. Using a two-tone stimulus, we determined the excitatory and inhibitory portions of the response areas and then parameterized them in terms of an asymmetry index. The index measures the balance of excitatory and inhibitory influences around the best frequency (BF). 3. The sensitivity of responses to the direction of a frequency-modulated (FM) tone was tested and found to correlate strongly with the asymmetry index of the response areas. Specifically, cells with strong inhibition from frequencies above the BF preferred upward sweeps, and those from frequencies below the BF preferred downward sweeps. 4. Responses to spectrally shaped noise were also consistent with the asymmetry of the response areas. For instance, cells that were strongly inhibited by frequencies higher than the BF responded best to stimuli that contained least spectral energy above the BF, i.e., stimuli with the opposite asymmetry. 5. Columnar organization of the response area types was demonstrated in 66 single units from 16 penetrations. Consistent with this finding, it was also shown that response area asymmetry measured from recordings of a cluster of cells corresponded closely with those measured from its single-unit constituents. Thus, in a local region, most cells exhibited similar response area types and other response features, e.g., FM directional sensitivity. 6. The distribution of the asymmetry index values along the isofrequency planes revealed systematic changes in the symmetry of the response areas. At the center, response areas with narrow and symmetric inhibitory sidebands predominated. These gave way to asymmetric inhibition, with high-frequency inhibition (relative to the BF) becoming more effective caudally and low-frequency inhibition more effective rostrally. These response types tended to cluster along repeated bands that paralleled the tonotopic axis. 7. Response features that correlated with the response area types were also mapped along the isofrequency planes. Thus, in four animals, a map of FM directional sensitivity was shown to be superimposed on the response area map. Similarly, it was demonstrated in six animals that the spectral gradient of the most effective noise stimulus varied systematically along the isofrequency planes. 8. One functional implication of the response area organization is that cortical responses encode the locally averaged gradient of the acoustic spectrum by their differential distribution along the isofrequency planes. This enhances the representation of such features as the symmetry of spectral peaks and edges and the spectral envelope. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Development of a Quality System for Neuromodulation in the Netherlands

We present here a descriptive article on the development of a national quality system for neuromodulatory techniques in the Netherlands. In 1994, due to reimbursement difficulties in the Netherlands, a Neuromodulation Working Group (WGN) undertook an initiative to develop a national quality system for neuromodulation. It was believed that with official recognition of neuromodulation as a therapy by the health authorities in the Netherlands, a quality system for monitoring would then follow. To that purpose an observational study was performed. Integration of this entire primary process (from intake to control phase) was based upon an inventory of the practices of the most experienced medical specialists practicing neuromodulation in the Netherlands. Based on the study data, nine quality indicators were identified that would allow monitoring of the quality of care to patients in the Netherlands. The study resulted in a positive feedback to the National Health Insurance Board and the Ministry of Health in the Netherlands. Neuromodulation for chronic pain and disabling spasticity is now recognized and fully reimbursed within the limits of the newly developed quality system. We therefore conclude that developed quality systems can provide a basis for medical specialists to cooperate around groups of patients or diseases. These quality systems can facilitate implementation and innovation within the health care system. The role of medical specialists and their will to cooperate is essential.
In-situ transmission electron microscopy study of electric-field-induced grain-boundary cracking in lead zirconate titanate

Abstract The field-driven in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique was developed to examine micromechanisms of field-induced cracking in ferroelectric ceramics. The technique was constructed by combining a selectively deposited thin film electrode configuration with a modified hot stage to deliver a required electric voltage to a ferroelectric TEM specimen. Under cyclic electric fields, microcracks were found to initiate from pores at the triple junctions and propagate along the grain-boundary in a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic. Grain-boundary cavitation and coalescence of microcracks were directly observed for the first time during field-induced fracture of PZT at room temperature. The results suggest that dielectric breakdown of the grain-boundary phase was conducive to grain-boundary cavitation, and the crack growth followed the progressive accumulation of the cavity density with electric cycling.
Prevalence of Neurobehavioral, Social, and Emotional Dysfunction in Patients Treated for Childhood Craniopharyngioma: A Systematic Literature Review

Background Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are locally invasive and frequently recurring neoplasms often resulting in neurological and endocrinological dysfunction in children. In addition, social-behavioral impairment is commonly reported following treatment for childhood CP, yet remains to be fully understood. The authors aimed to further characterize the prevalence of neurobehavioral, social, and emotional dysfunction in survivors of childhood craniopharyngiomas. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed to identify studies formally assessing neurobehavioral, social, and emotional outcomes in patients treated for CP prior to 18 years of age. Studies published between the years 1990-2012 that reported the primary outcome (prevalence of neurobehavioral, social, emotional/affective dysfunction, and/or impaired quality of life (QoL)) in ≥10 patients were included. Results Of the 471 studies screened, 11 met inclusion criteria. Overall neurobehavioral dysfunction was reported in 51 of 90 patients (57%) with available data. Social impairment (i.e. withdrawal, internalizing behavior) was reported in 91 of 222 cases (41%). School dysfunction was reported in 48 of 136 patients (35%). Emotional/affective dysfunction was reported in 58 of 146 patients (40%), primarily consisting of depressive symptoms. Health related quality of life was affected in 49 of 95 patients (52%). Common descriptors of behavior in affected children included irritability, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and emotional outbursts. Conclusions Neurobehavioral, social, and emotional impairment is highly prevalent in survivors of childhood craniopharyngioma, and often affects quality of life. Thorough neurobehavioral/emotional screening and appropriate counseling is recommended in this population. Additional research is warranted to identify risk factors and treatment strategies for these disorders.
Application of Liposomes in Some Dairy Products

The application of liposomes as potential carriers to deliver food components is considerably an innovative technology. While the application of liposome technology has been very limited to date, researches indicating the potential of liposomes for improving the flavor of ripened cheese using accelerated methods, the targeted delivery of functional food ingredients, the synergistic delivery of ascorbic acid and tocopherols for promoting antioxidant activity in foods, and the stabilization of minerals (such as iron) in milk have been performed. In the food industry, liposomes and nanoliposomes have been employed to encapsulate flavoring and nutritive agents, and also, they have been suitable candidates to deliver antimicrobials. In this paper, application of lipase, proteinase, nisin, and flavor-containing liposomes in products during the processing (such as cheese maturity) as well as the application of liposomes-encapsulated micronutrients (such as iron) in milk are reviewed.
A framework for development, teaching and deployment of inference algorithms

We present symfer, a software framework for probabilistic inference algorithms. Each inference algorithm (like variable elimination, junction tree propagation, recursive conditioning) is represented as a symbolic manipulation of factor algebra expressions. In combination with the readability and terseness of Python code, this uniform representation makes the framework very suitable for teaching, as well as for explorative research: using the interactive Python interpreter, one can combine features of di erent algorithms and examine their e ect. Numeric evaluation happens in a separate stage, implemented in Java/C for e cient execution and high portability. We exploit the latter feature in an application that performs inference on a smartphone.
Computer-controlled fluid jet polishing

Fluid jet polishing (FJP) is a new figuring process in optical manufacturing. In this paper, we introduced some recent research results on FJP. Firstly, the distribution of removal function and the mechanism of material removal were studied and it is concluded that the material was removed by the collision and shear actions between abrasive particles and workpiece. Secondly, we bring forward several methods to obtain an ideal removal function with the deepest part at the center, and find that the Gaussian-profile removal function can be obtained by controlling the movement of nozzle. Thirdly, the dependence of surface roughness on the characteristics of workpiece is investigated. Finally, to study the edge effect in FJP, the distributions of removal function are investigated when the polishing tool extends beyond the edge of the workpiece, experimental results imply that, to a certain extent, the edge effect in FJP can be neglected for the small polishing tool.
Online immediate foot placement modification for humanoid robots by synthesis method

The mobility of humanoid robots are restrained by many natural constraints. Due to the unstable property of humanoid robots, they are usually controlled by a preplanning stable COG (center of gravity) trajectory subject to a properly designed ZMP (zero moment point) using inverted pendulum model. Despite the advantage of stability, the method becomes tricky to modify the preplanning footsteps randomly. Therefore, we propose the immediate modification of foot placement by synthesis, which ensures a low computational cost, smooth synthesized and stable trajectory. With our proposed method, the robot can modify the next footstep location or immediately stop immediately, even just before the end of previous step; otherwise, it might need two steps ahead to prepare for this change. The mobility of humanoid robot is therefore enhanced by our proposed method in both sagittal and lateral directions.