Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Path delay testing in resilient system

Resilient systems are designed to eliminate the voltage/frequency margin for further power reduction/performance improvement. With the occurrence of error detection sequential (EDS) circuits and error-path circuits, resilient systems bring in new challenges for the path delay testing. In this paper, three scan EDS designs are analyzed and compared. Then a novel OR-tree delay testing method is proposed and experimental comparison is made showing our method's higher efficiency than a baseline method.
The delicate electronic and magnetic structure of the LaFePnO system (Pn = pnicogen)

The occurrence of high-temperature superconductivity, and the competition with magnetism, in stoichiometric and doped LaFeAsO and isostructural iron oxypnictides is raising many fundamental questions about the electronic structure and magnetic interactions in this class of materials. There are now sufficient experimental data that it may be possible to identify the important issues whose resolution will lead to the understanding of this system. In this paper, we address a number of the important issues. One important characteristic is the Fe–As distance (or more abstractly the pnicogen (Pn) height z(Pn)); we present results for the effect of z(Pn) on the electronic structure, energetics and Fe magnetic moment. We also study LaFeAsO under pressure, and investigate the effects of both electron and hole doping within the virtual crystal approximation. The electric field gradients for all atoms in the LaFeAsO compound are presented (undoped and doped) and compared with available data. The observed (π, π, π) magnetic order is studied and compared with the computationally simpler (π, π, 0) order which is probably a very good model in most respects. We investigate the crucial role of the pnicogen atom in this class, and predict the structures and properties of the N and Sb counterparts that have not yet been reported experimentally. At a certain volume a gap opens at the Fermi level in LaFeNO, separating bonding from antibonding bands. This is the first evidence that this class of materials indeed has an underlying semimetallic character, and this separation suggests directions for a better simple understanding of the seemingly intricate electronic structure of this system. Finally, we address briefly differences resulting from substitution of post-lanthanum rare earth atoms, which have been observed to enhance the superconducting critical temperature substantially.
A Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Manufactured Out of Self-Healing Polymers That Can Repair Macroscopic Damages

Pneumatic muscles are mostly constructed out of flexible membranes and are implemented in a wide range of robotic applications. In these soft materials, perforations are often caused by overpressuring of the muscles and wear. In many cases, this leads to limited numbers of actuation cycles. In this letter, pleated pneumatic artificial muscles were developed, whose membrane is constructed out of self-healing polymer. This allows for the complete healing of microscopic and macroscopic damages through a mild heat treatment. Two prototypes were designed, manufactured, and experimentally characterized. The self-healing was validated by repairing large realistic cuts in the muscle membrane completely. Even when repeatedly damaging and healing the muscles, the mechanical properties were recovered in a reversible and repeatable fashion through the self-healing procedure.
Effect of multiple jet impingement plate configurations on Reynolds Number in a pipe

Experimental investigations were carried out to study the effect of varying multiple jet impingement plate configurations on Reynolds Number (Re) in a closed conduit. Air was considered as the working fluid. There were six multiple impingement plates used for this experiment where each plate has a different hole configurations that include the hole diameter, hole orientation, pitch in x-direction and pitch in y-direction. Four sets of orifice plate with diameter of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05 m were used to get the mass flow rate in the pipe. Air was sucked through the impingement plate for five different settings of suction fan with an interval of 10Hz from 10 to 50Hz. By taking the data for constant suction fan setting at 50Hz, it was found that the impingement hole orientation for both in-line and staggered does not give any effect on the Re obtained since the differences was considerably small and fell within the accepted errors. Meanwhile, impingement hole diameter was found to be directly proportional with the Re obtained. It was also found that the different pitch in multiple hole impingement plate resulted in changes of Re. The results show that the Re was decreasing with higher pitch. The uncertainty analyses for the Re were also presented.
A Silicon-Germanium Receiver for X-Band Transmit/Receive Radar Modules

This work investigates the potential of commercially-available silicon-germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS technology for X-band transmit/receive (T/R) radar modules, focusing on the receiver section of the module. A 5-bit receiver operating from 8 to 10.7 GHz is presented, demonstrating a gain of 11 dB, and average noise figure of 4.1 dB, and an input-referred third-order intercept point (HP3) of -13 dBm, while only dissipating 33 mW of power. The receiver is capable of providing 32 distinct phase states from 0 to 360deg, with an rms phase error < 9deg and an rms gain error < 0.6 dB. This level of circuit performance and integration capability demonstrates the benefits of SiGe BiCMOS technology for emerging radar applications, making it an excellent candidate for integrated X-band phased-array radar transmit/receive modules.
Theory of mind in the early course of schizophrenia: stability, symptom and neurocognitive correlates, and relationship with functioning

Background Numerous studies have reported links between theory of mind (ToM) deficits, neurocognition and negative symptoms with functional outcome in chronic schizophrenia patients. Although the ToM deficit has been observed in first-episode patients, fewer studies have addressed ToM as a possible trait marker, neurocognitive and symptom correlations longitudinally, and associations with later functioning. Method Recent-onset schizophrenia patients (n = 77) were assessed at baseline after reaching medication stabilization, and again at 6 months (n = 48). Healthy controls (n = 21) were screened, and demographically comparable with the patients. ToM was assessed with a Social Animations Task (SAT), in which the participants’ descriptions of scenes depicting abstract visual stimuli ‘interacting’ in three conditions (ToM, goal directed and random) were rated for degree of intentionality attributed to the figures and for appropriateness. Neurocognition, symptoms and role functioning were also assessed. Results On the SAT, patients had lower scores than controls for both intentionality (p < 0.01) and appropriateness (p < 0.01) during the ToM condition, at baseline and 6 months. The ToM deficit was stable and present even in remitted patients. Analyses at baseline and 6 months indicated that for patients, ToM intentionality and appropriateness were significantly correlated with neurocognition, negative symptoms and role functioning. The relationship between ToM and role functioning was mediated by negative symptoms. Conclusions The ToM deficit was found in recent-onset schizophrenia patients and appears to be moderately trait-like. ToM is also moderately correlated with neurocognition, negative and positive symptoms, and role functioning. ToM appears to influence negative symptoms which in turn makes an impact on role functioning.
Fostering Agency and Co-Regulation : Teachers Using Formative Assessment to Calibrate Practice in an Age of Accountability

Albeit from varying perspectives, multiple stakeholders (i.e., policy makers, researchers, administrators, teachers, parents) call for teacher professional development as a means of fostering and/or enacting educational reform (Borko, 2004; Cochran-Smith, 2004; CochranSmith & Fries, 2005; Darling-Hammond, 1996, 2000; Little, 2001; Timperley & Phillips, 2003; Zeichner & Noffke, 2001). But tensions often arise between stakeholders with varying roles, stemming at least in part from conflicting assumptions concerning where responsibility for decision-making should be situated, and the role of professional development in effecting change. For example, if professional development is offered with the goal of “training” teachers to implement mandated curricula using prescribed instructional methods in pursuit of performance indicators that they have had little hand in defining, then teachers are likely to feel disenfranchised from change processes. Yet at the same time, policy makers facing public pressure to improve outcomes for students may feel powerless to effect change in a system where responsibility for educational planning is distributed. To escape from the unfortunately all-too-common situation where stakeholders hold conflicting and seemingly irreconcilable perspectives, in our research we examine how professional development might be conceived in a context where teachers, administrators, parents, researchers and policy-makers act as partners in educational reform.
Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of beef and chicken meat in Southern Brazil

The aim of the present study was to analyze the fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of the beef and chicken meat most often consumed by a population of type 2 diabetic patients in Southern Brazil: for beef, semimembranosus and biceps femoris; and for chicken, drumstick and thigh. The moisture content (gravimetrically), protein content (Kjeldahl procedure), cholesterol content (HPLC or enzymatic methods), lipid content (gravimetric method) and fatty acid composition (gas chromatography) were analyzed in three different brands of these raw cuts in duplicate. The results were compared with data extracted from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Handbook and Brazilian tables (TACO-UNICAMP and TBCAUSP 4.1). Chicken meat had a lower proportion of saturated (36.4±3.6%; P<0.001) and a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (21.3±3.5%; P<0.0001) than beef (53.3±2.12 and 3.0±0.5%). Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic were observed only in dark chicken meat (23±3 and 14±1 mg/100 g, respectively) and were found in less than 0.1 mg/100 g in beef cuts. The amount of gamma and alpha linolenic acids in biceps femoris (39/22 mg/100 g) was higher than in dark chicken meat (1/25 mg/100 g). A discrepancy was observed between the composition of the experimental meats and those reported in the USDA Handbook, mainly for beef. Total lipid content as well as PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels were lower than the values reported in the USDA Handbook (26.5, 49 and 25% difference than USDA values, respectively) for beef. Chicken meat presents a more favorable fatty acid profile regarding serum cholesterol levels than beef cuts. Furthermore, the discrepancies observed between our experimental data and the USDA Handbook suggest that it is important to construct regional food composition tables.
Learning in a Fuzzy Logic Robot Controller

Although Zadeh defined the basic operations of fuzzy set theory over thirty years ago (Zadeh, 1965), fuzzy logicbased controllers have just recently become the technique of choice for many researchers in robotics. Fuzzy logic controllers allow for the integration of high-level, humandesigned plans to operate along side immediate, reactive actions in a successful manner. The key to this line of research has been the development of the concept of behaviors.
Sialochemistry and cortisol levels in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES (i) To determine whether salivary cortisol and electrolyte levels differ between patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) and healthy individuals. (ii) To assess correlations between whole-saliva cortisol and some clinical manifestations in patients with SjS. METHODS A total of 24 healthy women (mean age 49.3±9.8) served as controls (C) vis-à-vis 17 patients with SjS (mean age 55.5±15.7). Salivary cortisol concentration was determined, and sialochemistry analysis was performed. RESULTS Significantly lower saliva flow rates and higher salivary chloride (Cl(-) ), potassium (K(+) ), and Ca(2+) levels were found in the SjS group. No significant differences or correlations were found in other parameters, including sodium (Na(+) ), magnesium (Mg(2+) ), phosphate ((-) ), urea (U), and salivary cortisol levels. CONCLUSION Increased whole-salivary output of Cl(-) and K(+) in SjS may reflect release from apoptotic rests of acinar cells after secondary necrosis. Normal levels of salivary Na(+) , Mg(2+) , and (-) argue against concentration effect, deranged tubular function or cortisol (mineralocorticosteroid) effect as the cause for these findings. Increased salivary Ca(2+) levels probably reflect leakage of plasma Ca(2+) through the injured oral mucosa in SjS. In spite of disease-associated stress, salivary cortisol, a stress biomarker, was not increased, suggesting insufficient hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response and/or local consumption of cortisol by lymphocyte infiltrates.
Polarizability of an optical lattice clock at 20 ppm

Optical lattice clocks, which are based on highly-forbidden 1S0 ↔ 3P0 transitions of ultracold alkaline-earth atoms confined in standing-wave optical potentials [1], offer exquisite frequency stability and uncertainty. We leverage these advantages to determine the sensitivity of a ytterbium optical lattice clock to external electric fields at 20 part-per-million (ppm) accuracy [2]. We describe an electrode design compatible with various neutral optical atomic clocks and capable of absolute electric field generation at the ppm level. Importantly, the result bounds the uncertainty of the ytterbium clock frequency due to room-temperature blackbody radiation at the level of 3×10-17.
Novel Tumor-Selective Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitor Targeted to A-Folate Receptor – Overexpressing Tumors

BGC 945 is a cyclopenta[g]quinazoline–based, thymidylate synthase inhibitor specifically transported into A-folate receptor (A-FR)–overexpressing tumors. Affinity of BGC 945 for the A-FR is 70% of the high-affinity ligand folic acid. In contrast to conventional antifolates, BGC 945 has low affinity for thewidely expressed reduced-folate carrier (RFC). The Ki for isolated thymidylate synthase is 1.2 nmol/L and the IC50 for inhibition of the growth of A-FR-negative mouse L1210 or human A431 cells isf7Mmol/L. In contrast, BGC 945 is highly potent in a range of A-FR-overexpressing human tumor cell lines (IC50 f1-300 nmol/L). Pharmacokinetic variables measured following i.v. injection of 100 mg/kg BGC 945 to KB tumor–bearing mice showed rapid plasma clearance (0.021 L/h) and tissue distribution. The terminal half-lives in plasma, liver, kidney, spleen, and tumor were 2, 0.6, 5, 21, and 28 hours, respectively. Tumor BGC 945 concentration at 24 hours was f1 nmol/g tissue, at least 10-fold higher than that in plasma or normal tissues. Inhibition of thymidylate synthase in tissues leads to increased incorporation of 5-[I]-iodo-2V-deoxyuridine ([I]dUrd) into DNA. Forty-eight hours after injection of 100 mg/kg 6RS-BGC 945 ([I]dUrd injected at 24 hours), tumor was the only tissue with incorporation above control level (6-fold). The RFC-mediated thymidylate synthase inhibitor plevitrexed also increased uptake of [I]dUrd in tumor (10-fold) but, in contrast, also caused increased incorporation in other normal tissues such as spleen and small bowel (4.5and 4.6-fold, respectively). These data suggest that BGC 945 selectively inhibits thymidylate synthase in A-FR-overexpressing tumors and should cause minimal toxicity to humans at therapeutic doses. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(24): 11721-8)
How the breadth and depth of import relationships affect the performance of Canadian manufacturers

This paper examines the relationship between a manufacturing firm's import behavior and its performance. The focus is on two aspects of imports, input variety and the dynamics of import relationships. Using identification conditions borrowed from the production function estimation literature, we show that firms importing more products from a larger set of suppliers tend to be larger, more productive, and more successful in export markets. Not only the number, but also the duration of supply relationships matter. Firms maintaining a higher share of continuous supply relationships also benefit from size and productivity effects. These results suggest that the breadth and depth of the import network are relevant factors for the performance of Canadian manufacturers, underscoring the importance of pursuing trade liberalizations with new partners and trade facilitation with established sources of suppliers.
Extension of the E-plane scanning range in large microstrip arrays by substrate modification

The effect of the substrate structure modification on the E-plane scanning performance in large microstrip arrays is studied with the aid of a two-dimensional model. The goal is to alleviate scan blindness effects. The finite-element method of lines is used to solve the electromagnetic equations, thus demonstrating its applicability to open, periodic structures. <<ETX>>
Library Generation by Gene Shuffling

This unit describes the process of gene shuffling, also known as sexual PCR. Gene shuffling is a facile method for the generation of sequence libraries containing the information from a family of related genes. Essentially, related genes are fragmented by DNase I digestion and reassembled by primer‐less PCR. The resulting chimeric genes can then be screened or selected for a desired function. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 105:15.12. 1‐15.12. 7. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ketamine Enhances Human Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Induces Neuronal Apoptosis via Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway

BACKGROUND:Growing evidence indicates that ketamine causes neurotoxicity in a variety of developing animal models, leading to a serious concern regarding the safety of pediatric anesthesia. However, if and how ketamine induces human neural cell toxicity is unknown. Recapitulation of neurogenesis from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro allows investigation of the toxic effects of ketamine on neural stem cells (NSCs) and developing neurons, which is impossible to perform in humans. In the present study, we assessed the influence of ketamine on the hESC-derived NSCs and neurons. METHODS:hESCs were directly differentiated into neurons via NSCs. NSCs and 2-week-old neurons were treated with varying doses of ketamine for different durations. NSC proliferation capacity was analyzed by Ki67 immunofluorescence staining and bromodeoxyuridine assay. Neuroapoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining and caspase 3 activity measurement. The mitochondria-related neuronal apoptosis pathway including mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c distribution within cells, mitochondrial fission, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were also investigated. RESULTS:Ketamine (100 µM) increased NSC proliferation after 6-hour exposure. However, significant neuronal apoptosis was only observed after 24 hours of ketamine treatment. In addition, ketamine decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased cytochrome c release from mitochondria into cytosol. Ketamine also enhanced mitochondrial fission as well as ROS production compared with no-treatment control. Importantly, Trolox, a ROS scavenger, significantly attenuated the increase of ketamine-induced ROS production and neuronal apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS:These data for the first time demonstrate that (1) ketamine increases NSC proliferation and causes neuronal apoptosis; (2) mitochondria are involved in ketamine-induced neuronal toxicity, which can be prevented by Trolox; and (3) the stem cell–associated neurogenesis system may provide a simple and promising in vitro model for rapidly screening anesthetic neurotoxicity and studying the underlying mechanisms as well as prevention strategies to avoid this toxic effect.
Subjective Effects of Salvia Divinorum

Abstract Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogenic plant native to Mexico, where the Mazatec Indians use it in divinatory rituals as a facilitator for contacting the spirits of the dead. A number of traditions surrounding the ritualistic use of Salvia are still observed. Generally the leaves are chewed for the visionary effects. Salvia has recently been embraced by Western drug cultures, where the traditional methods of ingestion are generall y eschewed for the more immediately effective technique of smoking the dried leaves. This article discusses the history and indigenous cultural uses of Salvia before outlining its rediscovery in the 1 960s and its subsequent introduction to the Western drug scenes (particularly Britain) since the mid 1990s. Qualitative data from 10 Salvia users were collected by means of email interviews. The participants were asked to provide as in-depth responses as possible. No time or space limit on answers was imposed. Their responses to each question are presented verbatim. The effects of Salvia appear to vary between users and seem sensitive to situational factors. Users who understand something of the ritualistic setting for traditional use would appear to have a fuller experience than those who do not.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide as a Simple Assessment of Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Bronchial Asthma and Chronic Cough Patients

Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been suggested to be a marker of airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of exhaled NO in bronchial asthma and chronic cough patients to predict bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). We measured the exhaled NO concentration using the chemiluminescence method in 52 asthma patients (group I consisting of 24 without prior inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use, and group II consisting of 28 previously on ICS and 16 chronic cough patients in group III). In addition to regular examinations, spirometry and methacholine inhalation tests using the Astograph were done. In group I, a significantly negative correlation was observed regarding the exhaled NO concentration with FEV1/FVC%, V50, and BHR that was assessed as Dmin and PD35-Grs, and a positive correlation with peripheral blood eosinophils. In group III, a significantly negative correlation was seen regarding the exhaled NO concentration with BHR. We thus concluded that measuring exhaled NO concentration appears to be a useful noninvasive method to predict the BHR, airway obstruction, and inflammation in asthma and chronic cough patients.
Interactions of fluorochrome‐labeled caspase inhibitors with apoptotic cells: A caution in data interpretation

Fluorochrome‐labeled inhibitors of caspases (FLICA, e.g., FAM‐VAD‐FMK, FITC‐VAD‐FMK) have been designed as affinity labels of the enzyme active center of caspases Their binding by apoptotic cells was interpreted as reflecting activation of caspases. We have recently observed, however, that their binding is more complex and may involve additional mechanisms. Our goal in this study was to clarify the ongoing utility of these probes.