Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ dielectrics on the trap-depth profiles in MOS devices investigated by the charge-pumping method

High dielectric constant materials come into focus as a replacement for the currently used silicon-dioxide or silicon-oxynitride dielectrics in CMOS processes due to further densification of devices. One main issue of these alternative materials is charge trapping in the dielectric. Charge trapping causes instabilities of electrical properties like threshold voltage shifts and less reliability. Thus, trapping behavior of alternative dielectric materials is an important question. Within this paper trap density depth profiling based on charge-pumping measurements were applied to Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ high-k dielectric transistors. With this method it was possible to analyze the depth of trap centers throughout the dielectric. A homogenous distribution of trapping centers was observed. The trap-density was lower for a SiO/sub 2/ interface layer compared to a Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ interface. However, in general, the density was four orders of magnitude higher with an Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ dielectric compared to standard gate-oxide. Device stability can be correlated to trap densities and resulting threshold voltage shifts. Furthermore, analytical results give strong indications that silicon interdiffusion and grain boundaries are the main cause for trap sites.
Genotype‐directed, dose‐finding study of irinotecan in cancer patients with UGT1A1*28 and/or UGT1A1*6 polymorphisms

Irinotecan‐induced severe neutropenia is associated with homozygosity for the UGT1A1*28 or UGT1A1*6 alleles. In this study, we determined the maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD) of irinotecan in patients with UGT1A1 polymorphisms. Patients who had received chemotherapy other than irinotecan for metastatic gastrointestinal cancer were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups according to UGT1A1 genotypes: wild‐type (*1/*1); heterozygous (*28/*1, *6/*1); or homozygous (*28/*28, *6/*6, *28/*6). Irinotecan was given every 2 weeks for two cycles. The wild‐type group received a fixed dose of irinotecan (150 mg/m2) to serve as a reference. The MTD was guided from 75 to 150 mg/m2 by the continual reassessment method in the heterozygous and homozygous groups. Dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and pharmacokinetics were evaluated during cycle 1. Of 82 patients enrolled, DLT was assessable in 79 patients (wild‐type, 40; heterozygous, 20; and homozygous, 19). Dose‐limiting toxicity occurred in one patient in the wild‐type group, none in the heterozygous group, and six patients (grade 4 neutropenia) in the homozygous group. In the homozygous group, the MTD was 150 mg/m2 and the probability of DLT was 37.4%. The second cycle was delayed because of neutropenia in 56.3% of the patients given the MTD. The AUC0–24 h of SN‐38 was significantly greater (P < 0.001) and more widely distributed in the homozygous group. Patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 or UGT1A1*6 allele can receive irinotecan in a starting dose of 150 mg/m2, but many required dose reductions or delayed treatment in subsequent cycles. UMIN Clinical Trial Registration number: UMIN000000618. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1868–1873)
Physical-based modeling and fast simulation of wireline links

To efficiently exploit the performance of wireline channels and alleviate the computation time due to the large amounts of simulation, this paper proposes a physical-based modeling mechanism for the performance studies of electrical links on multilayered printed circuit boards (PCBs). Our mechanism includes: 1) using a physical-based method to achieve high-speed and high precision simulation; and 2) combining configurable parameters and intermediate data of simulation to simplify evaluation process and support parameters sweeping. Experimental results show a good correlation with full-wave method up to 40 GHz and a significant acceleration in computation time of at least two orders of magnitude. Cooperating with system simulator, our approach also gives a good assistance in PCB channel design for high-speed interconnect systems.
Causal Transfer Learning

An important goal in both transfer learning and causal inference is to make accurate predictions when the distribution of the test set and the training set(s) differ. Such a distribution shift may happen as a result of an external intervention on the data generating process, causing certain aspects of the distribution to change, and others to remain invariant. We consider a class of causal transfer learning problems, where multiple training sets are given that correspond to different external interventions, and the task is to predict the distribution of a target variable given measurements of other variables for a new (yet unseen) intervention on the system. We propose a method for solving these problems that exploits causal reasoning but does neither rely on prior knowledge of the causal graph, nor on the the type of interventions and their targets. We evaluate the method on simulated and real world data and find that it outperforms a standard prediction method that ignores the distribution shift.
Mutations in the Heparin Binding Domain of Fibronectin in Cooperation with the V Region Induce Decreases in pp125 FAK Levels Plus Proteoglycan-mediated Apoptosis via Caspases*

Intact fibronectin (FN) protects cells from apoptosis. When FN is fragmented, specific domains induce proteinase expression in fibroblasts. However, it is not known whether specific domains of FN can also regulate apoptosis. We exposed fibroblasts to four recombinant FN fragments and then assayed for apoptosis using criteria of cellular shape change, condensed nuclear morphology, and DNA fragmentation. The fragments extended from the RGD-containing repeat III10 to III15; they included (V+) or excluded (V−) the alternatively spliced V region and contained either a mutated (H−) or an unmutated (H+) heparin binding domain. Only the V+H− fragment triggered decreases in pp125 FAK levels and apoptosis, which was rescued by intact FN and inhibitors of caspase-1 and caspase-3. This apoptotic mechanism was mediated by a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, since treating cells with chondroitin sulfate or chondroitinase reversed the apoptotic cell shape changes. The α4 integrin receptor may also be involved, since using a blocking antibody to α4 alone induced apoptotic cell shape changes, whereas co-treatment with this antibody plus V+H+ reversed these effects. These results demonstrate that the V and heparin binding domains of FN modulate pp125 FAK levels and regulate apoptosis through a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan- and possibly α4 integrin-mediated pathway, which triggers a caspase cascade.
The comparative short-term outcome of bipolar II disorder patients variably meeting or not meeting DSM-5 duration criteria following lamotrigine treatment

There is accruing clinical and empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of lamotrigine as a treatment for bipolar II disorder. However, the treatment response experienced by those with ‘short duration’ hypomania (or ‘other specified’ bipolar disorder) has been under-researched. We reviewed a clinical sample of 123 patients diagnosed with a bipolar II disorder three months following their initial assessment. A research interview evaluated treatment strategies implemented, depressive and hypomanic episode pattern and functional outcomes. Of patients who had achieved a minimum level of 75 mg of lamotrigine, n = 51 were assigned to the BP II disorder group (i.e., hypomanic episodes lasted four days or longer) and n = 28 to the short duration group (i.e., hypomanic episodes always lasted less than four days). There were no significant differences between the two groups at the three-month follow-up on self-report measures of changes in depressive and hypomanic episode pattern or functioning across six domains (i.e., intimate relationships, family relationships, friendships, work relationships, work performance, overall quality of life), and with the majority of patients reporting some level of improvement. Study limitations include being an observational, uncontrolled design with a relatively small sample size for detecting statistical differences. Nonetheless, lamotrigine appeared to be a suitable medication to be trialled in patients who alternate between depressive episodes and short periods of hypomania, (as for those with DSM-defined hypomanic episodes), and should prompt further investigation.
A cross-sectional survey of the acceptability of data collection processes for validation of a European point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use

Background: Statistical measurements alone are insufficient to ensure robust data for point prevalence surveys (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Data quality is determined by the type of data, data collection methods and available resources. Data collectors’ views regarding the acceptability of data collection process for validation studies are also important to consider. Aim: To explore data collectors’ views on the acceptability of data collection processes used for a European validation PPS of HAI and antimicrobial use (AMU). Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted with 67 data collectors from 10 European countries involved in the study. Findings: Twenty-five (64.1%) participants viewed AMU data collection as easy/quite easy whereas only five (12.8%) thought HAI data collection was easy/quite easy. Six (17%) participants indicated that incentives and 21 (56.8%) that disincentives were possibly/definitely present for reporting cases of HAI. Engagement of staff was not thought to have adversely affected data collection as only one (2.6%) and five (15.4%) participants thought involvement of hospital PPS teams and administration was low/very low, respectively. Discussion: Participants believed the approaches used were appropriate but that more training was required prior to data collection, some case definitions should be reviewed and the number of variables reduced.
Physiological vs. pharmacological signalling to myosin phosphorylation in airway smooth muscle

Smooth muscle myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) is phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent myosin light chain kinase and dephosphorylated by myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). Tracheal smooth muscle contains significant amounts of myosin binding subunit 85 (MBS85), another myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT) family member, in addition to MLCP regulatory subunit MYPT1. Concentration/temporal responses to carbachol demonstrated similar sensitivities for bovine tracheal force development and phosphorylation of RLC, MYPT1, MBS85 and paxillin. Electrical field stimulation releases ACh from nerves to increase RLC phosphorylation but not MYPT1 or MBS85 phosphorylation. Thus, nerve‐mediated muscarinic responses in signalling modules acting on RLC phosphorylation are different from pharmacological responses with bath added agonist. The conditional knockout of MYPT1 or the knock‐in mutation T853A in mice had no effect on muscarinic force responses in isolated tracheal tissues. MLCP activity may arise from functionally shared roles between MYPT1 and MBS85, resulting in minimal effects of MYPT1 knockout on contraction.
Molecular Characterization of the Interferon-tau Gene of the Mithun (Bos frontalis)

Abstract The mithun (Bos frontalis) not only remains one of the most neglected ungulate species due to its remote range, but also has been identified as a vulnerable species due to its declining population. Augmenting its reproductive efficiency could be a strategy for reversing its population decline. Considering the importance of interferon-tau (IFNT) as a primary signal in establishing maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP), the present study was undertaken to characterize the IFNT gene of the mithun. A 588 bp mithun IFNT (mitIFNT) gene was PCR amplified using genomic DNA as the template. Its nucleotide sequence comprised an entire open reading frame of 585 bp encoding a 195 amino acid pre-protein. In nucleotide sequence, the mitIFNT gene was more than 85% similar to the homologous genes of domestic and wild ruminant species characterized to date. However, phylogenetic analysis placed mitIFNT into a clade containing IFNT of the red deer, but not IFNTs of cow, sheep, or goats, or other wild ruminant species. Our characterization of mitIFNT represents the first complete sequence of any gene from the mithun.
A Bitter Taste in Your Heart

The human genome contains ∼29 bitter taste receptors (T2Rs), which are responsible for detecting thousands of bitter ligands, including toxic and aversive compounds. This sentinel function varies between individuals and is underpinned by naturally occurring T2R polymorphisms, which have also been associated with disease. Recent studies have reported the expression of T2Rs and their downstream signaling components within non-gustatory tissues, including the heart. Though the precise role of T2Rs in the heart remains unclear, evidence points toward a role in cardiac contractility and overall vascular tone. In this review, we summarize the extra-oral expression of T2Rs, focusing on evidence for expression in heart; we speculate on the range of potential ligands that may activate them; we define the possible signaling pathways they activate; and we argue that their discovery in heart predicts an, as yet, unappreciated cardiac physiology.
Reflectance spectroscopy can quantify cutaneous haemoglobin oxygenation by oxygen uptake from the atmosphere after epidermal barrier disruption

Background: The supply of oxygen to the viable skin tissue within the upper layers is not only secured by the cutaneous blood vascular system, but to a significant part also by oxygen diffusion from the atmosphere through the horny layer. The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in haemoglobin oxygenation can be observed within the isolated perfused bovine udder skin used as a skin model by removing the upper horny layer by adhesive tape stripping.
Accumulation of cell‐penetrating peptides in large unilamellar vesicles: A straightforward screening assay for investigating the internalization mechanism

The internalization of cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) into liposomes (large unilamellar vesicles, LUVs) was studied with a rapid and robust procedure based on the quenching of a small fluorescent probe, 7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD). Quenching can be achieved by reduction with dithionite or by pH jump. LUVs with different compositions of phospholipids (PLs) were used to screen the efficacy of different CPPs. In order to “validate” the composition of the membrane models, a control cationic peptide, which does not enter eukaryotic cells, was included in the study. It was found that pure DOPG or DOPG within ternary mixtures with cholesterol are the most appropriate models for studying CPP translocation. An anionic lipid, such as DOPG, is required for the adsorption of the basic peptides on the surface of LUVs. In addition, it acts as transfer agent through the lipid bilayer. A fluid phase and/or the presence of phase defects also appear mandatory for the internalization to occur. The neutralization of charges within an inverted micelle demonstrated in the case of DOPG and also proposed for a ternary mixture of PLs might not be the only mechanism for the CPP translocation. Finally, it is shown that oleic acid facilitates the entry inside LUVs in gel phase of a series of cationic peptides including CPPs and also the negative control peptide PKCi. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 533–543, 2015.
Biological : Full-length Comparison of the envelope architecture of E . coli using two methods : CEMOVIS and cryo-electron tomography

Aiko Kishimoto-Okada, Satoshi Murakami, Yoshiko Ito, Noritaka Horii, Hiromitsu Furukawa, Junichi Takagi and Kenji Iwasaki* Institute for Protein Research, Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan, Core Research for Evolution Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan, School and Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan, Leica Microsystems K.K. , 1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 1080072, Japan JEOL System Technology Co., Ltd, 3-1-2 Musashino, Akishima, Tokyo 196-8558, Japan *To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: ikenji@protein.osaka-u.ac. jp
STRENGTH/POWER AUGMENTATION SUBSEQUENT TO SHORT‐TERM TRAINING ABSTINENCE

Strength augmentation has been demonstrated in resistance-trained men subsequent to 4 days of training abstinence. However, this phenomenon was exhibited in an unusual circumstance in which the exercise test (seated heel raise) primarily involved an isolated skeletal muscle (soleus) that is normally comprised almost exclusively of 1 fiber type. It is unclear if similar results would be found for aggregate muscle actions. Therefore, a comparable study was designed with this in mind. Subjects were apparently healthy, young, strength-trained men (n = 25). All performed various tests of bench press strength at the beginning of their last standardized dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) training session. Subjects were subsequently randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups and repeated the identical tests at intervals of either 2, 3, 4, or 5 days with no intervening training. Strength tests consisted of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) concentric-only isokinetic bench presses performed at 1.49 and 0.37 m·s−1 as well as a 1RM DCER bench press. Measures of peak force and power were obtained from the isokinetic tests and maximum load from the DCER test. Results were expressed in both absolute and relative (to body weight) terms. Subsequent to the 4 abstinence intervals, groups performed similarly (p > 0.05) for all dependent variables. Concurrently, however, a small effect size (ES) was found for the group having a 4-day respite for both absolute and relative expressions of peak force and power at the slowest isokinetic bench press velocity. A small ES was also identified for the group having 2 days of rest for relative peak force at the slowest isokinetic test velocity and for relative DCER strength. Therefore, modest and transient strength augmentation appears likely in aggregate muscle actions following 2–4 days of training abstinence in resistance-trained men, but only at relatively slow velocities.
Dependence of shear wave spectral content on acoustic radiation force excitation duration and spatial beamwidth

Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging (SWEI) has become increasingly popular to non-invasively characterize liver fibrosis. Generating adequate shear wave displacements in human liver in vivo can be challenging, especially in the high Body Mass Index (BMI) population being evaluated for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Technical approaches to improve ARF-induced displacements include (1) using more aggressive focal configurations to generate higher peak force amplitudes, and (2) increasing the duration of the acoustic radiation force excitation. Using finite element method (FEM) models of Gaussian ARF excitations of varying spatial extent and temporal duration, we have demonstrated that shear wave velocity spectra are affected by both the spatial distribution and temporal duration of acoustic radiation force shear wave excitation sources. Shear wave spectra can be affected by the ARF spatial extent in the orthogonal dimension, which can be important when lateral:elevation excitation beamwidth anisotropies exist as a function of depth. Shear wave spectral content differences in different stiffness media are minimized for tightly-focused ARF excitations when using longer excitation durations, decreasing from ~60% for 100 μs excitations to ~10% for 1.5 ms excitations. These absolute and relative differences are significantly reduced for broader excitations. We have demonstrated similar trends experimentally using tissue-mimicking phantoms.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 deficient mice are resistant to endotoxin‐induced inflammation and death

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to a blood‐borne infection that is associated with an extremely high rate of morbidity and mortality. The present study investigates the role of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in host responses to bacterial endotoxemia. After administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, 50% of wild‐type mice die within 96 h. COX‐2 deficient mice displayed a dramatic improvement in survival with reduced leukocyte infiltration into critical organs (kidneys and lungs) and a blunted and delayed induction of the cytokine inducible genes nitric oxide synthase 2 and heme oxygenase‐1. Translocation and activation of transcription factors important for signaling events during an inflammatory response, such as nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, were also markedly reduced. While the absence of COX‐2 did not alter the induction of several pro‐inflammatory cytokines in tissue macrophages, induction of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 was exaggerated. Administration of IL‐10 to wild‐type mice reduced NF‐κB activation. Taken together, our data suggest that COX‐2 deficient mice are resistant to many of the detrimental consequences of endotoxemia. These beneficial effects occur, in part, by a compensatory increase in IL‐10 that counterbalances the pro‐inflammatory host response to endotoxemia.
Development and evaluation of one‐step multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Zika virus and Chikungunya virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are important human pathogens and mosquito‐borne arboviruses, which have resembling history, common vectors, circulating regions, and indistinguishable clinical symptoms. Wide geographical range that is suitable for ZIKV and CHIKV transmission underlines the concern about the impact of epidemic and endemic infections on burden of public health. In the present study, a highly sensitive and specific one‐step multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay was developed and evaluated for simultaneous detection and quantification of ZIKV and CHIKV. The single reaction assay employs two pairs of primers and two TaqMan probes that differentiate ZIKV and CHIKV infections. The entire viral genomic RNA in vitro transcribed from full‐length infectious clones were used to generate the standard curves for absolute quantification in subsequent tests. The detection limit of the one‐step multiplex assay was 1 and 0.5 PFU for infectious ZIKV and CHIKV, respectively. The assessment of specificity indicated this assay is highly specific to targeted viruses showing no amplification of a variety of other flaviviruses. Our assay was able to detect geographically separated and phylogenetically diverse strains of ZIKV and CHIKV. On the applicability of monitoring viral multiplication in cells and testing clinical samples, the one‐step multiplex assay provided efficient and accurate determination. The one‐step multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay offers a valuable tool for detection of ZIKV and CHIKV and potentially contributes to general surveillance and clinical treatment.