Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient Charging and Discharging Behaviors of Border Traps in the Dual-Layer $\hbox{HfO}_{2}/\hbox{SiO}_{2}$ High- $\kappa$ Gate Stack Observed by Using Low-Frequency Charge Pumping Method

Transient charging and discharging of border traps in the dual-layer HfO2/SiO2 high-kappa gate stack have been extensively studied by the low-frequency charge pumping method with various input pulse waveforms. It has been demonstrated that the exchange of charge carriers mainly occurs through the direct tunneling between the Si conduction band states and border traps in the HfO2 high-kappa dielectric within the transient charging and discharging stages in one pulse cycle. Moreover, the transient charging and discharging behaviors could be observed in the time scale of 10-8- 10-4 s and well described by the charge trapping/detrapping model with dispersive capture/emission time constants used in static positive bias stress. Finally, the frequency and voltage dependencies of the border trap area density could also be transformed into the spatial and energetic distribution of border traps as a smoothed 3-D mesh profiling
Melanocortin 4 Receptor Induces Hyperalgesia and Allodynia After Chronic Constriction Injury by Activation of p38 MAPK in DRG

ABSTRACT Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is implicated in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Although the effect of MC4R on neuropathic pain is known, it remains unclear how MC4R mediates neuropathic pain. In vitro MC4R activates mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK). Accordingly, we investigate whether MC4R activates the p38MAPK cascade in vivo to trigger pain behavior of Wistar rats after chronic constriction injury (CCI). Intrathecal injection of MC4R antagonist HS014 (5 μg/day) at the moment of CCI for seven days attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Similarly, intrathecal injection of a p38 inhibitor (SB203580, 10 mg/day) at the moment of CCI for seven days was also effective. To assess whether the effects of HS014 were mediated via increased p38MAPK activation, ipsilateral L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were analyzed for MC4R and phosphorylated p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) after CCI alone or CCI combined with HS014 treatment or SB203580 treatment. After CCI, DRG p-p38MAPK and MC4R were elevated by three, seven, and 14 days. Treatment with SB203580 blocked p38 activation. Both MC4R and phosphorylated p38 localized in DRG neurons. These data suggest a sequential role for MC4R and p38 in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. MC4R plays an important role in the establishment of neuropathic pain following CCI, seemingly dependent on p38 activation.
Increased yield of smear positive pulmonary TB cases by screening patients with > or =2 weeks cough, compared to > or =3 weeks and adequacy of 2 sputum smear examinations for diagnosis.

BACKGROUND RNTCP recommends examining three sputum smears for AFB from Chest Symptomatics (CSs) with cough of > or =3 weeks for diagnosis of Pulmonary TB (PTB). A previous multi-centric study from Tuberculosis Research centre (TRC) has shown that the yield of sputum positive cases can be increased if duration of cough for screening was reduced to > or =2 weeks. Other studies have shown that two smear examinations are adequate for diagnosis of smear positive PTB . To validate the above findings, a cross sectional multi-centric study was repeated in different settings in five geographical areas in India. METHODS Three primary and secondary level health facilities with high out-patient attendance were selected from two Tuberculosis Units (TU) in each of the 15 selected districts to screen about 10,000 new adult outpatients from each state. For patients who did not volunteer history of cough, symptoms were elicited using a structured simple questionnaire. All the CSs were referred for sputum examination. RESULTS A total of 96,787 out-patients were registered. Among them 69,209 (72%) were new adult out-patients. Using > or =2 weeks of cough instead of 3 weeks as the criterion for screening, there was an overall increase of 58% in CS and 23% increase in the detection of smear-positive cases. Among 211 patients, 210 were positive at least by one smear from the initial two specimens. Increase in the work-load if 2 smears were done for patients with cough of > or =2 weeks cough were 2 specimens (i.e. 13 to 15) per day for an adult OPD of 150. CONCLUSION The yield of sputum positive PTB cases can be improved by screening patients with > or =2 weeks cough and two specimens are adequate for diagnosis.
Image enhancement using DCT-based matrix homomorphic filtering method

In this paper, a digital image enhancement using discrete cosine transform (DCT) based matrix homomorphic filtering method is presented. First, the DCT is used to design matrix filter with prescribed ideal response. Because the closed-form solution is obtained, the filter coefficients are easily computed. Then, a digital image enhancement method is proposed by using matrix filter and homomorphic filtering. Finally, the enhancements of gray-level image and color image are used to show the effectiveness of the proposed DCT-based method.
A Methodology for Predictive Maintenance in Semiconductor Manufacturing

In order to occupy a competitive position in semiconductor industry the most important challenges a fabrication plant has to face are the reduction of manufacturing costs and the increase of production yield. Predictive maintenance is one possible way to address these challenges. In this paper we present an implementation of a universally applicable methodology based on the theory of regression trees and Random Forests to predict tool maintenance operations. We exemplarily show the application of the method by constructing a model for predictive maintenance of an ion implantation tool. To fit the problem adequately and to allow a descriptive interpretation we introduce the remaining time until next maintenance as a response variable. By using R and adequately analyzing data acquired during wafer processing a Random Forest model is constructed. We can show that under typical production conditions the model is able to predict a recurring maintenance operation sufficiently accurate. This example shows that better planning of maintenance operations allows for an increase in productivity and a reduction of downtime costs.
The influence of design decisions on the usability of direct manipulation user interfaces

Abstract It is assumed that the usability of direct manipulation user interfaces is influenced by a number of design aspects. In this experimental study, the order of command specification and the type of function activation were manipulated in a 2 × 2 factorial design, in order to test hypotheses H1, that object-function specification contributes more to usability than function-object specification; and H2. that the type of function activation (clicking vs. dragging) will influence the usability of direct manipulation user interfaces. Sixty-four subjects, balanced by sex, without computer experience, were assigned randomly to the four experimental conditions. The dependent variables include performance data such as time, efficiency and error rates (logfile-recording), and subjective user rating of the user interface (questionnaire). Whereas HI had to be rejected in this general form, a more elaborated analysis showed significant differences between the factor levels in terms of performance time and synta.
PRACTICE OF PALLIATIVE SEDATION IN CHILDREN WITH BRAIN TUMORS AND SARCOMAS AT THE END OF LIFE

Despite progress in the treatment of pediatric cancer, approximately 25% of these children will die of the disease. The last period of life is characterized by profound physical and psychological suffering, both of the children and their loved ones. Adequate alleviation of this suffering becomes the priority in the management of these patients. The authors retrospectively evaluated the indications, incidence, and characteristics of palliative sedation (PS) in 19 children with brain tumors (BT) and 18 with sarcomas (S) at the end of life. Twelve of the 18 S patients received PS, as did 13 of the 19 BT patients. Indications for initiation of PS for those with BT were seizures and/or pain, for those with S were pain and/or respiratory insufficiency. It was concluded that PS may be the only efficacious and safe treatment for the alleviation of suffering in these children at the end of life, despite differing indications.
Sex hormones and cardiovascular risk in men and women

The general aim of this thesis was to explore the associations between sex hormones and high blood pressure in men and women and to investigate their further role in the development of acute myocardial infarction particularly with regard to the large effect of type 2 diabetes, especially seen in women. Differences in levels of sex hormones and their specific effects in men and women might partially explain the differences in cardiovascular risk between men and women. Our specific aims were to investigate the relationship between sex hormones and high blood pressure as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, to investigate mechanisms that control the concentrations of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), to investigate testosterone as a risk factor for AMI in men and women, to explore the modifying effect of type 2 diabetes on the outcome, and to investigate the association between sex hormones and cardiovascular disease, stroke and AMI, in men and women with or without type 2 diabetes. This thesis included studies on 2 cohorts:1. A population survey in the municipalities of Vara and Skövde (VSC) 2002-2005 (n=2816, aged 30-74 years, 50% female, participation rate 76%); 2. A population survey in the municipality of Skara (SC3) 1993-1994 (n=1109, aged 40-80+ years, 50% female, participation rate 79%). Findings: Low concentrations of SHBG were associated with high blood pressure in men, whereas SHBG was independently associated with hypertension in postmenopausal women. We also found that insulin levels were independently associated with SHBG levels. Low testosterone levels in men with diabetes significantly predicted AMI independently of major cardiovascular risk factors. Endogenous estradiol concentrations were significantly associated with stroke risk in both sexes but with opposite relationships; estradiol was associated with reduced stroke risk in women, but with increased stroke risk in men. In conclusion, concentrations of sex hormones predicted cardiovascular morbidity in both men and women, albeit differently. While testosterone was protective in men, estradiol and SHBG were protective in women. Moreover, SHBG seems to play an active role in the modulation of sex hormone effects, as it was found to be independently associated with hypertension. However, more studies are needed to explore the association of this globulin with diabetes and hypertension, in order to confirm our results suggesting a role of insulin in the control of SHBG. Correspondingly, the effects of estradiol in men seem negative while the effects of testosterone in women were uncertain. Thus, in each sex the characteristic hormone supports health. Diabetes also modified the association between concentrations of sex hormones and CVD in both sexes. These modifications might at least partially explain the loss of cardiovascular protection in women when they develop type 2 diabetes.
Fuzzy cluster validity index based on object proximities defined over fuzzy partition matrices

Cluster validity index algorithms, which find the number of clusters in a given object set, play an important role in clustering. There have been many proposals of cluster validity index, especially for fuzzy clustering, and many of them are dependent on clustering algorithms that can use the different interpretations of similarities between objects, usually in the geometric interpretation of objects. We present a new fuzzy cluster validity index that is independent of clustering algorithms. The index uses the concept of distinguishableness of clusters, which is measured based on the object proximities defined over a given fuzzy partition matrix. We show the effectiveness of the proposed index by comparing it to other indices, with the fuzzy partition matrices obtained using the fuzzy C-means algorithm over various synthetic object sets.
Induction of protective neutralizing antibody responses against botulinum neurotoxin serotype C using plasmid carried by PLGA nanoparticles

ABSTRACT Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a lethal neurotoxin, for which there is currently not an approved vaccine. Recent efforts in developing vaccine candidates against botulism have been directed at the heavy chain fragment of BoNT, because antibodies against this region have been shown to prevent BoNT from binding to its receptor and thus to nerve cell surface, offering protection against BoNT intoxication. In the present study, it was shown that immunization with plasmid DNA that encodes the 50 KDa C-terminal fragment of the heavy chain of BoNT serotype C (i.e., BoNT/C-Hc50) and is carried by cationic poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles induces stronger BoNT/C-specific antibody responses, as compared to immunization with the plasmid alone. Importantly, the antibodies have BoNT/C-neutralizing activity, protecting the immunized mice from a lethal dose of BoNT/C challenge. A plasmid DNA vaccine encoding the Hc50 fragments of BoNT serotypes that cause human botulism may represent a viable vaccine candidate for protecting against botulinum neurotoxin intoxication.
Statures of 19th century Chinese males in America

Objective: This study considers statures of 19th century male Chinese immigrant to the American West and assesses how their personal characteristics were related with stature variation. Subjects: The subjects were 1423 male Chinese prisoners received between 1850 and 1920 in the Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington state prisons. Method: The study compares 19th century Chinese inmate statures with other studies and employs stature regression models on time, socio-economic status and residence within the USA to account for biological variation. Results: Between 1830 and 1870, Chinese youth male stature declined by over 2 cm. Between 1820 and 1860, Chinese adult male stature also declined by over 2 cm. Chinese stature did not vary with socio-economic status or residence. Conclusions: Nineteenth century Chinese emigrant statures were influenced more by political and economic events than socio-economic status, and male emigrants' biological conditions may have deteriorated throughout the 19th century.
Effective Pattern Discovery in Text Mining

In former age, the channel stock of webbing applications prepared the summon for formal text to be published. Most desirable of the ball reticle facts necessitates the facts to be at hand for draught admission and accommodation of materials to seachart organization to re-identify stabbing labels of individuals became an impeccable issue. In this formulation, we shot at beholden a full surveyed take the physical techniques turn preserve the on the qui vive data in social network. It is experimental saunter preserving the diagram planning and manufacturer reidentification by as well numerous roar nodes to the table makes tremendous change in degree is inferred from existing techniques. The anonymization methods for economy of the chilly sensitive data based on lot based put and diagram modification approaches are studied in detail. Keywords— Anonymization, Privacy preservation, Sensitive Labels, Privacy, Data Security
Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessel Graft Produced by Self-Derived Cells and Allogenic Acellular Matrix: A Functional Performance and Histologic Study

Introduction:Current prosthetic alternatives to autologous vascular grafts remain poor in terms of patency. Growing biologic blood vessels has been proposed as an alternative. In this work, the authors demonstrate a method for producing a tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) with self-derived endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and allogenic acellular matrix in vitro. The aim of this study was to find out if the graft is suitable as the carotid artery substitute. Methods:A canine model was developed for this study. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells were used as seeding cells, and allogenic acellular matrix was used as scaffold to produce the TEVG. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells from the saphenous vein were harvested by trypsin and collagenase digestion respectively. These isolated cells were cultured and expanded by routine cell culture technique. The common carotid artery was harvested from other fresh dog cadavers and processed by a multistep decellularizing technique to remove original cells and preserve elastic and collagen fibers. Then, the inner surface of the acellular matrix as a scaffold was sequentially seeded with cells. Smooth muscle cells were seeded onto the scaffold. It was placed in bioreactors filled Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with growth factors. After 4 weeks, the vessels were harvested from the bioreactors and seeded with endothelial cells at the lumen for 7 days. Finally, the cell-seeded graft was transplanted to the cell-donated dog to substitute part of the native common carotid artery (2 cm in length). All animals were followed up for 6 months. Twenty-four dogs were divided into 3 groups randomly: group A (native artery graft), group B (allogenic acellular matrix graft only), and group C (acellular allogenic matrix coated with endothelial and smooth muscle cells). These grafts were subjected to regular echocardiography at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Then, the TEVG were harvested for histologic evaluation at 6 months after transplantation. The vascular luminal surfaces were observed by electronic scanning microscopy. Results:The TEVG showed good functional performance demonstrated by regular Doppler ultrasonography at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, compared with that of native arteries. All vascular grafts in group A and C provided patent rates of 100%; however, the patency rate of group B was 50% at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The TEVG had a similar macroscopic appearance to that of native vessels. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses indicated the presence of high cell density and development of a highly organized structure of ECM. Conclusion:Cultured self-derived endothelial and smooth muscle cells could be used as seeding cells and allogenic acellularized matrix could be used as scaffold in producing the TEVG. The TEVG had histologic and functional properties consistent with native arteries.
Distinct antifibrogenic effects of erlotinib, sunitinib and sorafenib on rat pancreatic stellate cells.

AIM To study if three clinically available small molecule kinase inhibitors (SMI), erlotinib, sunitinib and sorafenib, exert antifibrogenic effects on pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) and analyze the basis of their action. METHODS Cultured rat PSC were exposed to SMI. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed employing 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. 2-Deoxy-2-[(18)F] fluoroglucose ((18)F-FDG) uptake was measured to study metabolic activity. Exhibition of the myofibroblastic PSC phenotype was monitored by immunofluorescence analysis of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Levels of mRNA were determined by real-time PCR, while protein expression and phosphorylation were analyzed by immunoblotting. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in culture supernatants were quantified by ELISA. RESULTS All three SMI inhibited cell proliferation and (18)F-FDG uptake in a dose-dependent manner and without significant cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, additive effects of the drugs were observed. Immunoblot analysis showed that sorafenib and sunitib, but not erlotinib, efficiently blocked activation of the AKT pathway, while all three drugs displayed little effect on phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Cells treated with sorafenib or sunitinib expressed less interleukin-6 mRNA as well as less collagen type 1 mRNA and protein. Sorafenib was the only drug that also upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and reduced the secretion of TGF-β1 protein. All three drugs showed insignificant or discordant effects on the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA. CONCLUSION The tested SMI, especially sorafenib, exert inhibitory effects on activated PSC, which should be further evaluated in preclinical studies.
A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Subatmospheric Wound Therapy With a Sealed Gauze Dressing and the Standard Vacuum-Assisted Closure Device

ObjectiveTwo methods of subatmospheric pressure wound therapy—wall suction applied to a sealed gauze dressing (GSUC) and the vacuum-assisted closure device (VAC)—were compared in hospitalized patients at University of Chicago Medical Center. Summary of Background DataVAC therapy is widely used, but can be expensive and difficult to apply; it also fails in some patients. MethodsA randomized prospective study of 87 patients (N = 45 in the GSUC arm and N = 42 in the VAC arm) was undertaken between October 2006 and May 2008. The study comprised patients with acute wounds resulting from trauma, dehiscence, or surgery. ResultsDemographics and wound characteristics were similar in both groups. There were significant reductions in wound surface area and volume in each group. In the GSUC group, the reductions in wound surface area and volume were 4.5%/day and 8.4%/day, respectively (P < 0.001 for both), and in the VAC group, this was 4.9%/day and 9.8%/day, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The reductions in wound surface area and volume were similar in both groups (P = 0.60 and 0.19, respectively, for the group-by-time interaction). The estimated difference (VAC − GSUC) was 0.4% (95% confidence interval: −1.0, 1.7) for wound surface area and 1.4% (95% confidence interval: −0.7, 3.5) for volume. The mean cost per day for GSUC therapy was $4.22 versus $96.51 for VAC therapy (P < 0.01) and the average time required for a GSUC dressing change was 19 minutes versus 31 minutes for a VAC dressing change (P < 0.01). The sum of pain intensity differences was 0.50 in the GSUC group compared with 1.73 for the VAC group (P = 0.02). ConclusionsGSUC is noninferior to VAC with respect to changes in wound volume and surface area in an acute care setting. In addition, GSUC dressings were easier to apply, less expensive, and less painful.