Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lifetime Reliability Analysis of Complementary Resistive Switches Under Threshold and Doping Interface Speed Variations

Complementary resistive switching (CRS) memristor is an emerging nonvolatile memory device that features low-sneak path current compared to traditional memristors. Despite its advantages, threshold voltage and doping interface drift speed variations over time are major concerns for CRS memory devices. In this paper, we will demonstrate that these variations can significantly reduce the CRS lifetime reliability in terms of number of memory operations that can be performed. Based on such demonstrations, comprehensive theoretical and empirical studies are carried out using H-Spice based simulations to investigate the impact of biasing and threshold voltages on CRS lifetime reliability. Underpinning these studies, a novel CRS lifetime relationship is proposed and extensively validated through further simulations.
Combined chemotherapy and external beam radiation for stage IE and IIE natural killer T-cell lymphoma of nasal cavity

To evaluate the outcome of CHOP chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Stage IE and IIE nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, 53 patients with stage IE and IIE nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma were studied. By the Ann Arbor Lymphoma Staging Classification, 41 patients (77%) had Stage IE disease and 12 patients (23%) had Stage IIE disease. All patients were treated curatively using chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy. Chemotherapy consisted of up to six cycles of the standard CHOP based regimen. The median radiation dose to the tumor bed was 45 Gy for all patients. The median follow-up for all 39 surviving patients was 30.2 months (range, 6 – 104 months). Twenty-six patients had complete response after chemotherapy, and all patients who completed first line chemotherapy achieved complete response after radiotherapy. The 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 75.6% and 61.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that perforation as a presenting symptom, elevated pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase level, and ECOG performance status ≥2 were significant independent prognostic factors for this group of patients. Combined chemotherapy followed by involved field radiation produced suboptimal outcome for patients with early stage nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Further investigations, preferably prospective clinical trials, for more efficacious treatment strategies are needed to improve the treatment outcome of this malignancy.
Polymorphism in Glutatione S-Transferase P1 and Manganese- Superoxide Dismmutase Genes in Egyptian Women with Preeclampsia

Susceptibility to preeclampsia is believed to have a genetic component. Several studies have reported associations between polymorphisms of oxidative stress- related genes and preeclampsia. The aim of the present study was to study the polymorphisms in anti-oxidant genes glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and Mn- superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in patients with of preeclampsia. Seventy four preeclampsia patients and fifty age-matched healthy pregnant female controls were genotyped for GSTP1 and Mn-SOD. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of all patients and control women. DNA analysis was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then digestion of the PCR products by restriction enzymes (RFLP) for both genes was performed. As regards GSTP1, the carriers of Val (G) allele were significantly more frequent among preeclampsia patients when compared to the control group (45.95% Vs. 19%, X 2 =10.40, OR=2.418, 95%CI (1.3698 - 4.269); p=0.0023). Preeclampsia patients had a lower frequency of GSTP1 Ile/Ile (AA) genotype (31.1% Vs. 68% in control; X 2 =13.09, OR=0.457, 95%CI (0.241 - 0.866); p =0.0164). The frequency of GSTP1 Ile/Val (AG) and Val/Val (GG) genotypes was higher in preeclampsia patients than control (68.9%Vs. 32%; X 2 = 12.83, OR=2.154, 95%CI (1.106 - 4.194); p =0.0241). However, non significant frequencies differences as regards Mn-SOD genotypes or alleles were found between preeclampsia patients and control. It could be concluded that, pregnant Egyptian women carrying the Val (G) allele of GSTP1 GSTP1 -105 Ile →Val (-313 A to G) polymorphism may be more susceptible to preeclampsia either in homozygous or heterozygous state.
A NOTE ON MONETARY POLICY, ASSET PRICES, AND MODEL UNCERTAINTY

Using a macroeconomic model with asset prices, we analyze how optimal monetary policy and macroeconomic dynamics and performance are affected by a central bank's desire to be robust against model misspecifications. We show that a higher central bank preference for robustness implies a more aggressive reaction of the nominal interest rate to the expected future inflation rate and inflation shocks. The dynamic stability of the equilibrium is not modified for a sufficiently high preference for robustness. However, the speed of dynamic convergence is lower under robust control compared to a benchmark case without it and implies supplementary economic costs. Finally, an increase in the preference for robustness comes at the cost of higher macroeconomic and financial volatility in the presence of inflation shocks. It has no effect on the reaction of inflation, output gap, and asset price gap to shocks affecting goods and financial markets.
The Estimation of Transportation Costs in International Trade

TEHIS study investigates the relationship between the total cost of an internationally traded commodity and the portion of this cost incurred in shipping the goods from country of production to country of consumption. Although this analysis grew out of an attempt to solve a problem of international trade accounting, it may have more general implications. The ratio of transportation cost to total cost varies widely among commodities. This ratio is an inverse function of the value per ton of the commodity, so that for very high-valued items it may approach zero and for low-valued items it may approach one. The transportation-cost ratio is relevant to discussions of trade relations between underdeveloped and industrial countries, since the former are likely to trade low-valued commodities for high-valued commodities coming from the latter.2 It may also be relevant to problems of reconciliation of location theories and "pure" international trade analysis. However, I shall not pursue these questions here. This paper is confined to
High technology start-up innovation and the role of guanxi: an explorative study in China from an institutional perspective

This study explores the influences of institutions on high technology start-up innovation in China by taking into account both formal and informal institutions. Our research settings are two high technology parks in Wuxi and Shanghai, respectively. Drawing upon the theoretical lenses of North’s institutional framework and the guanxi literature, we propose an integrative framework to help understand the factors influencing high technology start-up innovation in China. By contrasting different formal institutional settings in Wuxi and Shanghai (in particular, local government interventions), our study shows the positive effect played by local government on innovation and the overarching influence of guanxi. Based on a qualitative research method, nine in-depth semi-structured interviews with the CEOs of high technology start-ups were conducted between August 2009 and September 2010. Additional interviews with government officials and managers of government-owned venture capital funds were performed. We offer evidence to support the dual influence of formal and informal institutions (guanxi). International guanxi triggers government intervention, which in turn facilitates the acquisition of local guanxi. As a multidimensional construct, guanxi has a positive influence on high technology start-up innovation. We contribute to the understanding of the effect of institutions on high technology start-up innovation by disentangling formal and informal institutions. Furthermore, government intervention may have a positive impact on high technology start-up innovation in China, which might shed some light on development in other emerging economies.
Evolution of the delta13C signature related to total carbon contents and carbon decomposition rate constants in a soil profile under grassland.

Evolution of the total carbon (C) content and the (13)C enrichment (delta(13)C signature) of soil organic matter (SOM) with increasing depth in a soil profile under permanent grassland (C(3) vegetation) were investigated. The relationship between the total C content and the delta(13)C signature at different depths in the upper 30 cm of the soil profile could be well fitted by the Rayleigh equation (y = -29.8 - 2.3x, R(2) = 0.95, p < 0.001), describing the enrichment in (13)C as resulting from isotopic fractionation associated with C mineralization (isotope enrichment factor epsilon = -2.3 per thousand). Potential C dynamics of SOM in four depth intervals of the profile (0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm depth) were investigated through an incubation study. The C decomposition rate constants decreased with increasing sampling depth from 0.0479 yr(-1) (0-10 cm sampling depth) to 0.0256 yr(-1) (30-40 cm sampling depth) and were highly correlated (y = 0.02 + 0.13x, R(2) = 0.93, p < 0.05) with the corresponding deltadelta(13)C values (average change of the delta(13)C signature per depth increment). These results suggest that changes of the delta(13)C signature of SOM in undisturbed soil profiles under continuous C(3) vegetation may serve as an indicator of the variation of SOM quality with increasing depth.
Cognitive Deficits and Disruption of Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Apolipoprotein E4 Domain Interaction*

Background: Domain interaction may be the principal pathogenic feature of apoE4 in Alzheimer disease. Results: Young and old mice with mutations causing apoE4 domain interaction showed impaired cognition and a disruption in neurogenesis. Conclusion: Domain interaction mediates apoE4 neuro-pathologies and cognitive phenotype. Significance: Domain interaction is a viable prophylactic target against apoE4 cognitive phenotype and increased susceptibility to Alzheimer disease. Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) allele is the major genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) due to the higher prevalence and earlier onset of AD in apoE4 carriers. Accumulating data suggest that the interaction between the N- and the C-terminal domains in the protein may be the main pathologic feature of apoE4. To test this hypothesis, we used Arg-61 mice, a model of apoE4 domain interaction, by introducing the domain interaction feature of human apoE4 into native mouse apoE. We carried out hippocampus-dependent learning and memory tests and related cellular and molecular assays on 12- and 3-month-old Arg-61 and age-matched background C57BL/6J mice. Learning and memory task performance were impaired in Arg-61 mice at both old and young ages compared with C57BL/6J mice. Surprisingly, young Arg-61 mice had more mitotic doublecortin-positive cells in the subgranular zone; mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB were also higher in 3-month-old Arg-61 hippocampus compared with C57BL/6J mice. These early-age neurotrophic and neurogenic (proliferative) effects in the Arg-61 mouse may be an inadequate compensatory but eventually detrimental attempt by the system to “repair” itself. This is supported by the higher cleaved caspase-3 levels in the young animals that not only persisted, but increased in old age, and the lower levels of doublecortin at old age in the hippocampus of Arg-61 mice. These results are consistent with human apoE4-dependent cognitive and neuro-pathologic changes, supporting the principal role of domain interaction in the pathologic effect of apoE4. Domain interaction is, therefore, a viable therapeutic/prophylactic target for cognitive impairment and AD in apoE4 subjects.
Challenges of antibacterial discovery revisited

The discovery of novel antibiotic classes has not kept pace with the growing threat of bacterial resistance. Antibiotic candidates that act at new targets or via distinct mechanisms have the greatest potential to overcome resistance; however, novel approaches are also associated with higher attrition and longer timelines. This uncertainty has contributed to the withdrawal from antibiotic programs by many pharmaceutical companies. Genomic approaches have not yielded satisfactory results, in part due to nascent knowledge about unprecedented molecular targets, the challenge of achieving antibacterial activity by lead optimization of enzyme inhibitors, and the limitations of compound screening libraries for antibacterial discovery. Enhanced diversity of compound screening banks, entry into new chemical space, and new screening technologies are currently being exploited to improve hit rates for antibacterial discovery. Antibacterial compound lead optimization faces hurdles associated with the high plasma exposures required for efficacy. Lead optimization would be enhanced by the identification of new antibiotic classes with improved tractability and by expanding the predictability of in vitro safety assays. Implementing multiple screening and target identification strategies is recommended for improving the likelihood of discovering new antibacterial compounds that address unmet needs.
Rational Design of a Printable, Highly Conductive Silicone‐based Electrically Conductive Adhesive for Stretchable Radio‐Frequency Antennas

Stretchable radio‐frequency electronics are gaining popularity as a result of the increased functionality they gain through their flexible nature, impossible within the confines of rigid and planar substrates. One approach to fabricating stretchable antennas is to embed stretchable or flowable conductive materials, such as conductive polymers, conductive polymer composites, and liquid metal alloys as stretchable conduction lines. However, these conductive materials face many challenges, such as low electrical conductivity under mechanical deformation and delamination from substrates. In the present study, a silicone‐based electrically conductive adhesive (silo‐ECA) is developed that have a conductivity of 1.51 × 104 S cm−1 and can maintain conductivity above 1.11 × 103 S cm−1, even at a large stain of 240%. By using the stretchable silo‐ECAs as a conductor pattern and pure silicone elastomers as a base substrate, stretchable antennas can be fabricated by stencil printing or soft‐lithography. The resulting antenna's resonant frequency is tunable over a wide range by mechanical modulation. This fabrication method is low‐cost, can support large‐scale production, has high reliability over a wide temperature range, and eliminates the concerns of leaking or delamination between conductor and substrate experienced in previously reported micro‐fluidic antennas.
New World Health Organization reference values for semen analysis: where do we stand?

ABSTRACT Semen analysis is of paramount importance to study potential male fertility, couple's infertility, the effects of gonadotoxic agents on spermatogenesis and as follow-up test during treatment of male infertility. Since 1987, the World Health Organization proposes the standardization of this test and its reference values based on population-based data. The latest version of the World Health Organization guidelines was published in 2010. It introduced a new methodology that produced new references values, which triggered a discussion that lies inconclusive. We revised the original World Health Organization paper focusing on methodological changes and its results, the new references values and their impact on clinical practice.
Eye pupil detection using the least squares technique

The paper presents a technique used for the detection of the eye pupil center coordinates by using the least squares approach. The algorithm realizes the fitting of the ellipse to a group of input data points provided by the eye image collected using a video camera in infrared illumination. The method can be used in the area of assistive technology to implement an eye tracking system used to communicate with neuromotor disabled patients. The system has been tested on a set of healthy individuals in laboratory conditions. The tests have shown higher accuracy, lower noise and lower algorithm running time as compared to other similar techniques presented in the literature.
Power distance, sub-ethnic groups, and teams of civil servants: Overlooked factors of administrative reform in Kazakhstan?

Administrative reform is a key element of postsocialist transformations. There were three rounds of New Public Management-inspired administrative reform in Kazakhstan, yet they did not lead to substantial increases in the quality of governance. This lack of progress is partially the result of a lack of attention to the issues of administrative culture in the blueprints of administrative reform. This article explores elements of administrative culture in Kazakhstan such as power distance, sub-ethnic groups (Zhuz), and teams of civil servants. The analysis is based on the outcomes of bivariate statistical tests and a multiple regression. The article shows that the prevalence of teams and ethnic groups has an impact on civil servants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of administrative reform. The study also suggests that the civil service in Kazakhstan is characterized by a high power distance, which may undermine the principles of New Public Management.
Epalrestat protects against diabetic peripheral neuropathy by alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting polyol pathway

Epalrestat is a noncompetitive and reversible aldose reductase inhibitor used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. This study assumed that epalrestat had a protective effect on diabetic peripheral nerve injury by suppressing the expression of aldose reductase in peripheral nerves of diabetes mellitus rats. The high-fat and high-carbohydrate model rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in these rats after sustaining high blood glucose for 8 weeks. At 12 weeks after streptozotocin injection, rats were intragastrically administered epalrestat 100 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. Transmission electron microscope revealed that the injuries to myelinated nerve fibers, non-myelinated nerve fibers and Schwann cells of rat sciatic nerves had reduced compared to rats without epalrestat administuation. Western blot assay and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that after intervention with epalrestat, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase gradually increased, but aldose reductase protein expression gradually diminished. Results confirmed that epalrestat could protect against diabetic peripheral neuropathy by relieving oxidative stress and suppressing the polyol pathway.
Web password recovery - a necessary evil?

Web password recovery, enabling a user who forgets their password to re-establish a shared secret with a website, is very widely implemented. However, use of such a fall-back system brings with it additional vulnerabilities to user authentication. This paper provides a framework within which such systems can be analysed systematically, and uses this to help gain a better understanding of how such systems are best implemented. To this end, a model for web password recovery is given, and existing techniques are documented and analysed within the context of this model. This leads naturally to a set of recommendations governing how such systems should be implemented to maximise security. A range of issues for further research are also highlighted.
Bacterial [Cu,Zn]-Cofactored Superoxide Dismutase Protects Opsonized, Encapsulated Neisseria meningitidis from Phagocytosis by Human Monocytes/Macrophages

ABSTRACT Superoxide dismutase cofactored by copper and zinc ([Cu,Zn]-SOD) contributes to the protection of opsonized serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis against phagocytosis by human monocytes/macrophages, with sodC mutant organisms being endocytosed in significantly higher numbers than are wild-type organisms. The influence of [Cu,Zn]-SOD was found to be exerted at the stage of phagocytosis, rather than at earlier (modulating surface association) or later (intracellular killing) stages.
Internet financial Reporting in Malawi

The dawn of Internet has resulting in the evolution of financial reporting from the conventional design of theprinted annual report to the contemporary Internet Financial Reporting (IFR). Due to its growth, IFR hasattracted the interest of researchers. However despite the fact that much research have been carried out, theunderstanding of the level of IFR is still vague. The study was an evaluation of the level of IFR focusing on adeveloping country, Malawi. The study used content analysis methodology and an IFR index in examining andmeasuring the level of IFR among the listed companies in Malawi. The study found that 92% of the sampledlisted companies had a corporate website and 61.5% of the same were engaged in IFR however the overall IFRindex was 0.28 indicating low level of IFR. Furthermore, the companies were generally using the traditionalPDF format which lacks flexibility in terms of financial information manipulation that aid decision-making bythe users. The results suggest underutilisation of IFR by the companies, thus more needs to be done to enhanceIFR among the listed companies in Malawi. Preparers need to be aware of what IFR entails and the professionalbodies need to provide the required guidance of the IFR framework.
STAT3 activation via interleukin 6 trans-signalling contributes to ileitis in SAMP1/Yit mice

Background and aim: SAMP1/Yit mice spontaneously develops intestinal inflammation. Previously, we demonstrated that the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3/suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 pathway is pivotal in human inflammatory bowel disease. In our studies in SAMP1/Yit mice, the aim was to investigate whether STAT3 activation contributes to ileitis and to examine the therapeutic effects of this signal blockade. Methods: Intestinal expression of phospho-STAT3 in SAMP1/Yit mice and control AKR/J mice was examined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. SOCS3 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA were determined by northern blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. We also examined the effects of intravenously injected hyper-IL-6, an IL-6/soluble IL-6 receptor fusion protein, and of soluble gp130-Fc, a specific inhibitor of soluble IL-6 receptor signalling, on STAT3 phosphorylation and disease severity in SAMP1/Yit mice. Results: Phospho-STAT3 was expressed strongly during the disease course in SAMP1/Yit mice but only transiently in AKR/J mice. Phospho-STAT3 was localised to epithelial and mononuclear cells in the diseased intestine of SAMP1/Yit mice. SOCS3 as well as IL-6 mRNAs were expressed in affected intestine. Administration of hyper-IL-6 caused disease exacerbation and enhancement of STAT3 phosphorylation. In contrast, soluble gp130-Fc administration ameliorated the disease and suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation. Conclusion: STAT3 signalling is critical in the development of intestinal inflammation in SAMP1/Yit mice. Blockade of this signalling pathway by soluble gp130-Fc may have therapeutic effects in inflammatory bowel disease.